'Our Standing Is That Taiwan Is A Province Of China': UN Reaffirms

Amid the ongoing tension between China and Taiwan, the UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric reaffirmed the United Nations” stance on Taiwan. In a press briefing, the spokesperson stated “Our standing is that Taiwan is a province of China.” He cited the UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 from 1971, which recognized the People”s Republic of China (PRC) as the sole legal representative of China to the United Nations.

Recently, China has launched major military drills around Taiwan, which reflects a full-scale attack on the island just days after the new president William Lai was sworn in.

🇺🇳 🇨🇳 United Nations says Taiwan is a “province of China.” pic.twitter.com/yESm5LmBf0

— BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) May 24, 2024

Despite Taiwan”s attempts to preserve its independence and autonomy, the UN”s position on the matter is regarded as a validation of China”s claim over the island. The idea of “one China,” which means only one sovereign state going by the name of China, serves as the foundation for the UN”s position.

After World War II, when Japan surrendered Taiwan to China, it was considered as Republic of China (ROC) which ruled Taiwan with the consent of the US and UK. However, after the Chinese Civil War when leader Chiang Kai-shek”s troops were defeated by Mao Zedong”s Communist army, Chiang fled to Taiwan in 1949 and ruled under the Kuomintang (KMT) government until the 1980s. In 1996, Taiwan transitioned towards democracy and held its first elections in 1996.

Taiwan”s leadership and international supporters seek to assert Taiwan”s sovereignty and independence. While Beijing views the island as a province that broke away and will eventually become a part of the nation; it has not ruled out using force to this end.

The international community remains divided on the issue, with some countries supporting Taiwan”s independence and autonomy while others, including the US, maintain a policy of strategic ambiguity. The US recognizes the only Chinese government under its “One China policy” however Washington has long supported Taiwan with military aid and maintains a close relationship with the island. However, it does not formally recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state.

The UN”s reiteration of Taiwan has been met with mixed reactions. Critics argue that it undermines Taiwan”s efforts to assert its sovereignty and independence and could embolden China”s aggressive position towards the island. While the supporters, see it as a reaffirmation of international law and the principle of “one China.”