Interview: One-China principle key to regional, global stability, says Egyptian expert

CAIRO, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- The one-China principle remains fundamental to regional and global stability, and any violation undermines the foundation of the post-World War II international order, said Ali El-Hefny, secretary general of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made erroneous and provocative remarks on Taiwan in early November, hinting that Japan might intervene militarily in the Taiwan Strait. Her comments have sparked strong criticism both domestically and internationally.

El-Hefny, who previously served as Egypt's ambassador to China and assistant foreign minister, said that respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity is essential for maintaining peace.

International legal instruments such as the 1943 Cairo Declaration and the 1945 Potsdam Proclamation have long ago confirmed China's sovereignty over Taiwan, forming key pillars of the postwar world order, said El-Hefny.

He noted that China and countries in the Middle East share a strong commitment to international law and the UN Charter, both of which serve as safeguards not only for China but for all developing nations.

El-Hefny said regional and international actors should draw lessons from the tragedies of the two world wars and avoid sliding back into confrontation.

"We all aspire to a stable international system in which states focus their efforts on development and on raising the living standards of our peoples," said the former Egyptian diplomat.

El-Hefny said credibility in international relations is measured by compliance with agreements, not merely by signing them, adding that countries aspiring to greater international roles must maintain consistent positions and uphold peace.

"What matters more than the accumulation of understandings, agreements, and joint statements is the extent to which parties honor the commitments they have made," he said. ■