Taiwan Slams China for Distorting UN Resolution to Claim Sovereignty
Taiwan's MOFA slams Beijing for distorting UN Resolution 2758 to claim sovereignty after China's diplomatic talks with Gabon.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has issued a sharp condemnation of China, accusing Beijing of spreading false statements designed to undermine the sovereignty of the Republic of China (ROC). The clash erupted after China used a diplomatic meeting to push its "one China principle," leading Taipei to reassert that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are not subordinate to one another.
The Spark: Diplomatic Talks with Gabon
The tension flared following a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and the President of Gabon, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. According to a statement released by Beijing, Gabon reaffirmed its adherence to the "one China principle" during the discussions.
Taiwan’s MOFA reacted strongly to this development, claiming that the Chinese government is systematically using bilateral meetings with other nations to pressure them into issuing statements that erode the ROC's sovereignty.
The Battle Over UN Resolution 2758
At the heart of the dispute is the interpretation of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758. Adopted in 1971, the resolution focuses on China's representation within the United Nations. Crucially, the document does not explicitly mention Taiwan.
However, Beijing has long interpreted this resolution as a legal mandate granting it the right to represent Taiwan on the global stage. Taiwan’s MOFA has accused China of distorting the text of the resolution to advance its own political claims over the island.
Taiwan's Stance on Independence
In its rebuttal, the Taiwanese Foreign Ministry emphasized several key points to solidify its position:
- Sovereignty: The ROC is a sovereign and independent country.
- Lack of PRC Rule: Taiwan has never been governed by the People's Republic of China (PRC).
- Democratic Representation: Only the democratically elected government of Taiwan possesses the authority to represent its citizens in international affairs, including the UN system.
Warning Against Political Manipulation
The MOFA further accused Beijing of attempting to destabilize the international order by embedding the "one China principle" into official bilateral documents signed with other sovereign states.
Addressing the African nation specifically, the ministry urged Gabon not to succumb to what it described as Beijing's "political manipulation." Taiwan stressed that its political status cannot be altered through unilateral claims or diplomatic pressure from China.
The ministry reiterated that the fact that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are not subordinate to each other is an established reality that cannot be changed.