one-china
UK[ˌwʌnˈtʃaɪnə]US[ˌwʌnˈtʃaɪnə]
n
The principle that there is only one sovereign state of China, encompassing the mainland, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.
adj
Of or relating to the One-China principle.
Morpheme Breakdown
one
china
one
single
china
country name
Etymology
The term "One-China" is a modern political compound formed in the mid-20th century. It combines the English numeral "one," with its Proto-Indo-European root óynos meaning "single, unique," and the proper noun "China," derived via Persian and Sanskrit from the name of the ancient Qin dynasty. The compound's logic is explicitly literal and geopolitical, asserting a singular, undivided national entity. Its meaning is not derived from ancient semantic evolution but was constructed to articulate a specific diplomatic and constitutional stance regarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Analysis
Structure: one (single) + china (country name)
one: From Old English 'ān', meaning "single, one". In this compound, it functions as a numeral adjective specifying singularity.
china: From the country name 'China', ultimately from Sanskrit 'Cīna', likely referring to the Qin dynasty. In this compound, it functions as the proper noun identifying the specific entity.
Examples
The country adheres strictly to the One-China policy in its foreign relations.
The joint communiqué reaffirmed their commitment to the One-China principle.
This is a fundamental issue concerning the One-China consensus.