ABSTRACT
At the end of July 1954, the People's Republic of China (PRC) was well on its way to securing all its borders against the threat of aggression. In only one area did the threat of attack seem to be growing: the area of Taiwan. In only one area of China was the threat to its sovereignty growing: the area of Taiwan. The outstanding issue in relations with the United States was the question of Taiwan. Taiwan is China's territory. The Chinese people are determined to liberate Taiwan. The American decision to defend Taiwan was strengthened and given solemn treaty form in 1954–55. The most important reason for the "Liberate Taiwan" campaign was a deepening concern for the PRC's sovereignty over the island, a concern evident in virtually all PRC foreign policy pronouncements of the time. PRC concerns about the implications for Taiwan were frequently expressed in 1954.
