Final answer:
The 'One China' policy claims the existence of a single, indivisible China, encompassing Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and Tibet, a principle asserted by Beijing following the rise of Communist China in 1949. Despite the policy, Taiwan maintains its own government, and U.S.-China relations continue to grapple with issues regarding Taiwan, economic trade, and human rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
The idea of 'One China' originates from the political scenario after World War II when deep tensions arose between the mainland and Taiwan. The 'One China' policy suggests the existence of only a single China, which includes Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and Tibet. This policy was firmly asserted by Beijing to claim the indivisibility of Chinese territories, despite the separate governance of Taiwan, which resulted from the civil war and the estrangement of the Nationalists.
In 1949, after the Communist Party of China, led by Mao Zedong, emerged victorious in the Chinese Civil War, it established the People's Republic of China (PRC) and laid claim to all territories considered historically part of China, including Taiwan. The Nationalist government retreated to Taiwan, maintaining the Republic of China (ROC) but effectively resulting in two separate governments. Over time, the policy has influenced diplomatic relations and international recognition, with the majority of the world now recognizing the PRC as the legitimate government of all China, though Taiwan continues to maintain its independent governmental and economic activities under its own administration.
Additionally, U.S.-China relations have been historically strained over the status of Taiwan, but they are also heavily influenced by myriad economic, military, and human rights concerns. Despite tension points, the economic interdependence between China and other powers, such as the United States, remains significant.