On June 21, Taiwan held a working meeting with high-level officials from the US Department of State, indicating a strategic effort and commitment of Taiwan’s new government to enhance its participation in international organizations.
China has long misinterpreted UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, equating it with Beijing’s “one China principle,” leading to the misconception that the “UN has resolved the Taiwan issue.”
This misinterpretation has significantly hindered Taiwan’s participation in international affairs and organizations. For example, at recent World Health Assemblies, China and Pakistan have cited the resolution to block Taiwan’s membership, asserting that “Taiwan is part of China.”
Despite repeated clarifications and rebuttals by Taiwan’s allies, including the US, Taiwan needs a comprehensive strategy encompassing international legal arguments and concrete actions to systematically and effectively counter China’s cognitive warfare on the global stage.
From a legal perspective, China has long reiterated the content of Resolution 2758, which states that the “UN recognizes the People’s Republic of China, not the Chiang Kai-shek [蔣介石] regime, as the representative of ‘China.’”
Since the 1970s, China has included the phrase “the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal representative of China” in joint communiques or statements with other countries. Although some nations include caveats such as “acknowledge China’s position on Taiwan,” these practices, from the UN General Assembly to bilateral levels, have fueled China’s cognitive warfare, necessitating careful responses from Taiwan.
In terms of cognitive warfare, China persistently promotes its interpretation of Resolution 2758 to officials and civilians worldwide, pushing the narrative that “Taiwan is part of China” and linking it with Resolution 2758.
Additionally, China pressures pro-China countries and officials at international organizations to make statements aligning with its stance, fostering the perception that the “one China principle has international recognition,” leading to widespread misunderstanding in the international community.
Therefore, it is crucial for Taiwan to urge the international community to re-examine Resolution 2758, clarifying that it only acknowledges “there is one China” and that “the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal representative of China.”
It does not address the issue of Taiwan or its governance. This clarification would counter China’s claim that “Taiwan is part of China.”
Furthermore, recognizing Taiwan in international organizations under the legal implications of Resolution 2758 would not violate the resolution.
Since 1997, the Foundation of Medical Professionals Alliance in Taiwan has advocated for Taiwan’s full membership in the WHO. Highlighting China’s misinterpretation of Resolution 2758 is key to Taiwan’s participation in the WHO, the International Civil Aviation Organization and even the UN.
Taiwan’s new diplomatic team should encourage major democracies and allied nations to clarify and counter China’s cognitive warfare in international forums, addressing the systemic discrimination Taiwan faces in the UN and the broader international community.
Lin Shih-chia is executive director of the Foundation of Medical Professionals Alliance in Taiwan and a former legislator.
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