The British Parliament has taken a significant step by rejecting China’s interpretation of United Nations Resolution 2758 in relation to Taiwan.
The UK’s House of Commons clarified that the resolution, passed in 1971, does not determine Taiwan’s political status or affirm the People’s Republic of China’s sovereignty over Taiwan. This clarification underscores growing international support for Taiwan’s participation in global affairs.
The motion, unanimously passed by the House of Commons, explicitly stated that UN Resolution 2758 solely addressed the representation of China at the United Nations. It did not make any decisions about Taiwan’s status or its involvement in UN agencies.
Catherine West, a parliamentary undersecretary from the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, reiterated the UK’s stance that misinterpreting the resolution to exclude Taiwan is neither historically accurate nor beneficial for the global community.
She emphasised the importance of Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international systems.
Taiwan’s Presidential Office and Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude for the UK’s support. Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo highlighted that the motion strengthens global solidarity with Taiwan’s democratic values and commitment to international cooperation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also recognised this move as a milestone in countering China's efforts to isolate Taiwan from key international discussions.
The motion was introduced by Labour lawmaker Blair McDougall and supported by 16 other parliamentarians across party lines.
Notable signatories included Sarah Champion, co-chair of the British-Taiwanese All-Party Parliamentary Group, and Iain Duncan Smith, co-chair of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China.
This bipartisan effort reflects widespread parliamentary support for Taiwan’s sovereignty and its right to participate in international affairs. This development aligns with a broader global trend of supporting Taiwan.
The British Parliament joins legislative bodies in Australia, the Netherlands, Guatemala, and Canada in challenging China’s interpretation of Resolution 2758.
Earlier this year, the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China passed a model resolution on the matter during its summit in Taipei, further highlighting international efforts to advocate for Taiwan’s inclusion.
UN Resolution 2758, adopted in 1971, recognised the People’s Republic of China as the only legitimate government of China and granted it the permanent Security Council seat previously held by the Republic of China.
However, the resolution did not address Taiwan’s status, a fact increasingly acknowledged by democratic nations.
In a parallel development, the Dutch House of Representatives recently passed a motion urging their government to establish a legal assistance agreement with Taiwan.
This marks the fifth pro-Taiwan motion passed by the Dutch Parliament this year, further demonstrating growing international momentum to support Taiwan’s role in the global arena.
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