Kralizec 21:58 08-27-2015
Originally Posted by Philipvs Vallindervs Calicvla:
As an aside, it just occurred to me that we could have given Hong Kong to the ROC instead of the PRC. It wasn't practical in 1997 but it might have been if we hadn't drawn down the RN from the 1970's onwards.
Interesting idea. I think though that the One-China concept was universally adopted in the west by then, so doing what you suggested would have given diplomats and lawyers serious headaches.
To clarify, in 1997 the UK recognised the PRC as the legal successor to imperial China and didn't formally recognise Taiwan as a sovereign state at all. There are contacts between UK and Taiwan of course, but a spade isn't called a spade to avoid upsetting the commies.
Reversing the One-China policy and giving Taiwan possessions on the mainland would have been epic, worthy to watch while sitting in a chair with popcorn.
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