China Urges UN to Stay Neutral, Stating Resolution 2758 Excludes Taiwan

Marking the 55th anniversary of the adoption of Resolution 2758, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on the evening of the 26th, pointing out that the full text of the resolution is only 150 words long and does not mention "Taiwan" at all. The Ministry emphasized that no party can use this resolution as a legal basis to exclude Taiwan from participating in the United Nations system, and called on the UN to remain neutral and cease cooperating with China's pressure on Taiwan's international participation.

Resolution 2758 was adopted by the UN General Assembly on October 25, 1971. Its core content was solely to "recognize the representatives of the Government of the People's Republic of China as the only legitimate representatives of China to the United Nations" and to expel the Republic of China (namely, Taiwan) from the UN and all its related organizations. The text of the resolution is brief and does not contain the terms "Taiwan" or "Republic of China." This point has long been highlighted by international law scholars and has served as the basis for Taiwan's diplomatic front to frequently contest the matter using the "textual blank." The international political landscape at that time was marked by Cold War tensions, with the two major US and Soviet blocs vying for influence in Asia. The entry of the People's Republic of China was seen as a strategic victory against Western forces, yet for Taiwan, it marked a historical turning point of being forced off the UN stage.

Since then, the Chinese mainland has continuously used Resolution 2758 as a legal basis to pressure various countries and international organizations, demanding that they recognize only the Beijing government as the sole legitimate representative under a "One China" principle on all occasions. From the World Health Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Taiwan's applications for participation have repeatedly been vetoed or restricted. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when Taiwan was forced to participate as an observer due to its inability to join the World Health Assembly as a full member, it still faced obstruction from China. Such circumstances have restricted Taiwan's voice and contributions in critical areas such as international public health, aviation safety, and nuclear energy verification, while also raising doubts within the international community regarding whether the UN can maintain neutrality.

Faced with ongoing diplomatic isolation, the Taiwanese government and civil groups have actively sought pathways for "substantive participation" in recent years. Aside from striving for support from friendly nations through bilateral relations, they have also participated in discussions at international conferences under the identities of "non-governmental organizations" or "academic groups." The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' recent statement is a direct call for the UN to adhere to the neutral stance of the resolution's original text in future decision-making and meeting arrangements, and not to exclude Taiwan due to China's political pressure. This move is also intended to remind the international community that Taiwan possesses considerable strength and makes contributions in fields such as disease prevention, technology, and disaster relief, and therefore should be granted opportunities for international participation commensurate with its actual contributions.

From a long-term perspective, although the "textual blank" in Resolution 2758 does not explicitly mention Taiwan, its practical effect has profoundly impacted Taiwan's international space. If the UN can clearly distinguish the political dimensions of "China" and "Taiwan" in future meetings and documents, or allow Taiwan to participate as an observer or expert on specific issues, it will help enhance the credibility of the UN while easing cross-strait tensions on the international stage. Conversely, if China is continuously allowed to unilaterally dictate Taiwan's international status, it may undermine the neutrality and inclusivity of the UN as a platform for global public affairs. For Taiwan, the path to striving for international participation remains full of challenges, but as long as it continues to persuade the international community with facts and contributions, there remains an opportunity to gain a greater voice within the multilateral system.