Background on UNGA Resolution 2758
On October 25, 1971, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758. The resolution recognised the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the sole legitimate representative of China at the UN. It also expelled the representatives of Chiang Kai-shek. According to Beijing, this decision confirmed beyond doubt that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. No arrangement for “two Chinas” or “one China, one Taiwan” is legally or politically valid.
Core Principles of the Position Paper
The paper stressed three pillars of the one-China principle:
There is only one China.
Taiwan is an inseparable part of China’s territory.
The PRC government represents all of China in international affairs.
Beijing highlighted that since 1971, official UN documents have consistently referred to Taiwan as a “province of China.” This practice, it is argued, aligns with the UN Charter and the Office of Legal Affairs’ legal interpretations.
Global Consensus and U.S. Opposition
China described the adoption of Resolution 2758 as a landmark victory for fairness in global governance. The resolution, Beijing noted, ended U.S.-led attempts to block China’s representation through “dual representation” proposals. Today, more than 180 countries recognise the one-China principle, which China considers a prevailing global consensus.
Beijing criticised the U.S. and some allies for “distorting history” by claiming that Taiwan’s status is “undetermined.” It warned that such actions undermine both China’s sovereignty and the UN system established after World War II.
Taiwan’s Status and Reunification
The paper declared that Taiwan has never been an independent country—past, present, or future. It stated that the issue was resolved in 1945 with Japan’s defeat in World War II. Although cross-strait reunification remains incomplete, Beijing reaffirmed that Taiwan’s status as part of China is irreversible.
Conclusion
China concluded that any attempt to separate Taiwan from China will be strongly opposed by its 1.4 billion people and rejected by the international community.
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