Beijing – In response to recent remarks by several U.S. lawmakers ahead of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun strongly defended the validity and relevance of UNGA Resolution 2758, rejecting what he described as attempts to distort history and challenge the post-war international order.
The controversy arose after a group of U.S. legislators accused Beijing of misrepresenting UNGA Resolution 2758 by conflating it with its “One China Principle” and using it to isolate Taiwan from the international community. They also urged greater support for Taiwan’s “meaningful participation” in the UN and its specialized agencies. In a firm rebuttal, Guo underlined that Taiwan has always been an inalienable part of China and emphasized that historical, legal, and practical facts back this position.
Guo cited the Cairo Declaration of 1943 and the Potsdam Proclamation of 1945, which clearly stipulated that all territories stolen by Japan, including Formosa (Taiwan) and the Pescadores, should be returned to China. He argued that this forms an integral component of the post-World War II international order. It was against this backdrop that the 26th UNGA session in 1971 adopted Resolution 2758 with overwhelming support, restoring all lawful rights of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in the UN.
According to Guo, the resolution reaffirmed three key principles: there is only one China in the world, Taiwan is an inseparable part of China’s territory, and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legitimate representative of the entire country. The resolution categorically rejected any notion of “two Chinas” or “one China, one Taiwan.” He added that to this day, Resolution 2758 remains a binding document that enshrines an “iron rule” and an “absolute principle” within the existing international system. Any attempt to reinterpret or undermine it, he warned, is an attack on the foundation of the post-war order and an interference in China’s internal affairs.
Guo recalled that during deliberations in 1971, some countries had attempted to push a “dual representation” proposal that would have created two seats for “two Chinas.” That proposal was rejected, setting a precedent that the world continues to follow. “What did not happen back then will certainly not happen today,” he said firmly.
On the legal front, Guo explained that Resolution 2758 settled the question of representation of the whole of China, including Taiwan, once and for all. He noted that from 1971 to 1972, UN agencies implemented the resolution by expelling so-called “representatives” of the Taiwan authorities and reinstating the seats of the PRC. He also highlighted that the UN Secretariat had issued legal opinions confirming that “Taiwan has no independent status as a province of China.”
In practice, the UN system and other international and regional organizations have consistently adhered to the one-China principle when handling Taiwan-related issues. UN official documents consistently describe Taiwan as “Taiwan, province of China.” Guo further emphasized that a total of 183 countries have established diplomatic relations with China on the basis of recognizing the one-China principle, underscoring broad global consensus on the matter.
Looking forward, Guo reiterated that the future of Taiwan lies in reunification with the mainland. He argued that a strong and prosperous China would provide greater development opportunities, security, and dignity for compatriots in Taiwan. Stressing Beijing’s resolve, he concluded that no force will be able to halt China’s reunification process.
This strong rebuttal from Beijing highlights the continued geopolitical tensions over Taiwan’s status in the international system, particularly as the UNGA marks its 80th session. While Washington voices support for Taiwan’s participation, Beijing remains unwavering in its position that UNGA Resolution 2758 is both legally binding and historically conclusive, leaving no room for reinterpretation or parallel representation.
