lǐngtǔ wánzhěng: 领土完整 - Territorial Integrity

• Keywords: lingtu wanzheng, 领土完整, territorial integrity, Chinese sovereignty, national unity, China's core interests, Taiwan issue, South China Sea, what does lingtu wanzheng mean
• Summary: An essential term in Chinese politics, 领土完整 (lǐngtǔ wánzhěng) translates to “territorial integrity.” It represents the sacred and non-negotiable principle that all of China's claimed territory is indivisible and must be protected from any form of secession or foreign encroachment. Understanding lǐngtǔ wánzhěng is key to deciphering China's stance on sensitive issues like the Taiwan issue and the South China Sea, as it forms the bedrock of its national sovereignty and modern identity.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): lǐngtǔ wánzhěng
• Part of Speech: Noun Phrase
• HSK Level: N/A (Advanced/Specialized)
• Concise Definition: The state of a nation's territory being complete, whole, and inviolable.
• In a Nutshell: “Territorial integrity” is the direct translation, but 领土完整 (lǐngtǔ wánzhěng) carries a much heavier emotional and political weight in China. It's not just a legal concept; it's a national obsession rooted in history, particularly the “Century of Humiliation” when China lost territory to foreign powers. Today, it represents a “red line” in Chinese foreign policy and a promise to the Chinese people that the nation will never again be carved up or weakened. It is the absolute foundation of national pride and security.

• 领 (lǐng): This character can mean “to lead,” “to govern,” or “neck/collar.” In this context, it implies an area that is under a specific jurisdiction or governance.
• 土 (tǔ): A simple and ancient character meaning “earth,” “soil,” or “land.”
• 領土 (lǐngtǔ): Together, these characters form the word for “territory” – literally, the “governed land.”
• 完 (wán): This character means “to finish,” “to be complete,” or “whole.”
• 整 (zhěng): This character means “orderly,” “neat,” or “whole.”
• 完整 (wánzhěng): Together, these two characters form a common word meaning “complete,” “intact,” or “integrated.”
• The full phrase 领土完整 (lǐngtǔ wánzhěng) combines “territory” with “completeness,” creating the direct and powerful concept of an intact and indivisible national territory.

The concept of 领土完整 (lǐngtǔ wánzhěng) is arguably one of the most important principles in the People's Republic of China. Its significance is deeply rooted in the collective memory of the “Century of Humiliation” (百年国耻, bǎinián guóchǐ), from the mid-19th to mid-20th century, when a weakened China was forced to sign unequal treaties and cede territory (like Hong Kong) to foreign powers. The modern emphasis on 领土完整 is a direct reaction to this history. It symbolizes national rejuvenation and a vow that China will never again suffer such indignities. It is a rallying cry for patriotism and national unity. Comparison to Western “Territorial Integrity”: In the West, “territorial integrity” is primarily a legal concept derived from international law (like the Peace of Westphalia). It's a fundamental principle of sovereignty but is often discussed in a detached, legalistic manner. In China, 领土完整 is both a legal principle and a deeply emotional, almost sacred, concept. It is tied to national identity, historical justice, and the legitimacy of the ruling party. Questioning it is not seen as a simple political disagreement but as a profound attack on the Chinese nation and its people.

This term is almost exclusively used in formal, official contexts. You will not hear it in casual, everyday conversation.

• Government & Diplomacy: It is a cornerstone of Chinese foreign policy. It appears constantly in official government statements, white papers, diplomatic protests, and speeches by national leaders, especially when addressing issues concerning Taiwan, Tibet, Xinjiang, Hong Kong, or territorial disputes in the South China Sea and with India.
• Media & Propaganda: State-controlled media outlets like Xinhua and CCTV frequently use this term to frame international issues and reinforce the government's position. It is used to convey strength, determination, and righteousness to a domestic audience.
• Education: The importance of safeguarding China's 领土完整 is a key theme in Chinese history and civics education, instilling a sense of patriotic duty from a young age.

Its connotation is always solemn, firm, and non-negotiable. It signals that the topic at hand is a “core interest” (核心利益) on which there can be no compromise.

• Example 1:
  • 中国政府多次重申，维护国家领土完整是我们的首要任务。
  • Pinyin: Zhōngguó zhèngfǔ duōcì chóngshēn, wéihù guójiā lǐngtǔ wánzhěng shì wǒmen de shǒuyào rènwù.
  • English: The Chinese government has repeatedly reaffirmed that safeguarding national territorial integrity is our primary task.
  • Analysis: A typical, formal statement you would hear from a government spokesperson or read in an official document.
• Example 2:
  • 任何分裂国家的企图都将严重威胁我国的领土完整。
  • Pinyin: Rènhé fēnliè guójiā de qìtú dōu jiāng yánzhòng wēixié wǒguó de lǐngtǔ wánzhěng.
  • English: Any attempt to split the country will seriously threaten our nation's territorial integrity.
  • Analysis: This sentence highlights the term's use in the context of anti-secessionism, often directed at independence movements.
• Example 3:
  • 台湾问题事关中国的主权和领土完整。
  • Pinyin: Táiwān wèntí shìguān Zhōngguó de zhǔquán hé lǐngtǔ wánzhěng.
  • English: The Taiwan issue concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
  • Analysis: This is the most common context for the term in international media. It firmly frames the Taiwan issue as a domestic affair.
• Example 4:
  • 我们有决心、有能力捍卫国家主权和领土完整。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen yǒu juéxīn, yǒu nénglì hànwèi guójiā zhǔquán hé lǐngtǔ wánzhěng.
  • English: We have the determination and the ability to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
  • Analysis: This sentence projects strength and resolve. “捍卫” (hànwèi - to defend) is frequently paired with this term.
• Example 5:
  • 历史告诉我们，领土完整是国家强大的基石。
  • Pinyin: Lìshǐ gàosù wǒmen, lǐngtǔ wánzhěng shì guójiā qiángdà de jīshí.
  • English: History tells us that territorial integrity is the cornerstone of a strong nation.
  • Analysis: This links the concept to historical lessons, implicitly referencing periods when China was weak and its territory was not intact.
• Example 6:
  • 该法律的目的是为了维护国家统一和领土完整。
  • Pinyin: Gāi fǎlǜ de mùdì shì wèile wéihù guójiā tǒngyī hé lǐngtǔ wánzhěng.
  • English: The purpose of this law is to safeguard national unification and territorial integrity.
  • Analysis: Often used when discussing legal frameworks like the Anti-Secession Law of the PRC.
• Example 7:
  • 中国人民绝不允许任何外部势力损害中国的领土完整。
  • Pinyin: Zhōngguó rénmín jué bù yǔnxǔ rènhé wàibù shìlì sǔnhài Zhōngguó de lǐngtǔ wánzhěng.
  • English: The Chinese people will never allow any external forces to undermine China's territorial integrity.
  • Analysis: This phrasing emphasizes popular support and frames the issue as a matter of national will against foreign interference.
• Example 8:
  • 在南海问题上，中国的立场是明确的，那就是坚决维护领土完整。
  • Pinyin: Zài Nánhǎi wèntí shàng, Zhōngguó de lìchǎng shì míngquè de, nà jiùshì jiānjué wéihù lǐngtǔ wánzhěng.
  • English: On the South China Sea issue, China's position is clear, which is to resolutely uphold territorial integrity.
  • Analysis: Shows the term's application to specific, ongoing territorial disputes.
• Example 9:
  • 尊重彼此的主权和领土完整是两国关系的基础。
  • Pinyin: Zūzhòng bǐcǐ de zhǔquán hé lǐngtǔ wánzhěng shì liǎng guó guānxì de jīchǔ.
  • English: Respecting each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity is the foundation of the two countries' relationship.
  • Analysis: Used in the context of international relations to establish the basic principles of diplomatic engagement.
• Example 10:
  • 实现中华民族伟大复兴，必须确保国家的领土完整。
  • Pinyin: Shíxiàn Zhōnghuá mínzú wěidà fùxīng, bìxū quèbǎo guójiā de lǐngtǔ wánzhěng.
  • English: To achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, we must ensure the country's territorial integrity.
  • Analysis: This connects the concept to the overarching national goal of “rejuvenation,” elevating it to a prerequisite for national success.

• Underestimating its Significance: The most common mistake for an English speaker is to hear “territorial integrity” and treat it as a standard, negotiable diplomatic term. In the Chinese context, 领土完整 is a “red line” and a core principle. It is not up for debate. To challenge it, even casually, is to cause profound offense.
• False Friend - “Territorial Integrity”: While the translation is accurate, the English phrase lacks the deep emotional and historical charge of 领土完整. For Chinese officials and the public, the term evokes memories of foreign invasion, national humiliation, and the subsequent struggle for sovereignty. The English phrase is clinical and legalistic by comparison.
• Incorrect Usage in Conversation: Do not use this term in casual conversation. Saying something like “Wow, this pizza's 领土完整 is perfect!” (referring to it not being broken) would be grammatically nonsensical and bizarre. It is strictly for discussions of geopolitics and national sovereignty.

• 主权 (zhǔquán) - Sovereignty. 领土完整 is considered a primary component of a nation's sovereignty. The two terms are often used together.
• 核心利益 (héxīn lìyì) - Core Interests. This refers to the non-negotiable interests of China, with 领土完整 being the most important one.
• 一个中国原则 (yī gè Zhōngguó yuánzé) - The One-China Principle. The political principle that there is only one sovereign state called China, which is the basis for claiming 领土完整 over Taiwan.
• 统一 (tǒngyī) - Unification. The act of uniting or the state of being united. It is the ultimate goal in the context of achieving 领土完整 with regards to Taiwan.
• 分裂 (fēnliè) - To split; secession. This is the primary threat to 领土完整. Terms like “separatist activities” (分裂活动) are seen as direct attacks on this principle.
• 神圣不可侵犯 (shénshèng bùkě qīnfàn) - Sacred and inviolable. A common four-character phrase used to describe China's territory and sovereignty. e.g., “中国领土神圣不可侵犯”.
• 百年国耻 (bǎinián guóchǐ) - Century of Humiliation. The historical period of foreign subjugation that provides the emotional and political fuel for the modern emphasis on 领土完整.
• 国家安全 (guójiā ānquán) - National Security. Protecting 领土完整 is the foremost task of China's national security strategy.