Shi Ping (also known as Hei Seiki), a Japan-based political counsellor, was recently sanctioned by the People’s Republic of China and barred from entering the mainland, where he was publicly labelled hanjian (traitor).

In response, Shi made a pointed observation: if he can travel to Taiwan freely and without interference from Beijing, then—by definition—Taiwan is not under PRC jurisdiction. Instead of addressing this underlying question, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office dismissed his actions with analogies, avoiding the core issue entirely.

From a historical and legal perspective, Taiwan operates under the Republic of China (ROC), a state established in 1912 that continues to maintain its own government, military, constitution, borders, and foreign relations. The PRC, founded in 1949 after a civil war, has never exercised effective governance over Taiwan. Also to note that the PRC is only recognized by UN in 1971.

This debate is not about rhetoric or symbolism, but about statehood criteria, continuity of governance, and observable political reality. Regardless of political preference, the unresolved question remains: sovereignty is determined by control and governance—not claims alone.

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