The UK House of Commons has clarified that United Nations Resolution 2758 does not address Taiwan’s political status, nor does it establish China’s sovereignty over Taiwan. This motion, passed unanimously on Thursday, supports Taiwan’s participation in international affairs and rejects any expanded interpretation of the resolution by China.
The house of commons motion
On Thursday, the House of Commons debated Taiwan’s international status and passed a motion in support of Taiwan. The motion confirmed that the UN resolution does not affect Taiwan’s political status. It also did not establish China’s sovereignty over Taiwan or mention Taiwan’s participation in the UN and its agencies.
Catherine West, the UK Parliamentary Undersecretary of State for Indo-Pacific Affairs, explained that Resolution 2758 recognised the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the sole representative of China at the UN. However, she stressed that the resolution made no decision regarding Taiwan’s status. West added that the resolution should not be used to block Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the UN or international affairs. She also warned that expanding the interpretation of the resolution would not benefit Taiwan or the global community.
Taiwan’s response
Karen Kuo, spokesperson for Taiwan’s Presidential Office, welcomed the motion’s passage. She said it strengthened global support for Taiwan’s democratic values and international participation. She emphasised that Taiwan remains committed to working with democratic allies to defend the principles of freedom, democracy, and human rights.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan also praised the UK’s decision. It noted that the UK Parliament’s stance reflects Britain’s ongoing support for Taiwan. The ministry also pointed out the injustice of Taiwan’s exclusion from key international discussions and frameworks.
Bipartisan support for Taiwan
Blair McDougall, the Labour MP for East Renfrewshire, introduced the motion. Sixteen other MPs from various political parties, including Labour, the Conservative Party, Unionist Party, Liberal Democrats, and the Scottish National Party, signed the motion. 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 (IPAC). This broad, bipartisan support highlights the UK’s commitment to Taiwan’s sovereignty and its international role.
Growing international support for Taiwan
This motion follows similar actions by several countries, including Australia, the Netherlands, Guatemala, and Canada. These nations have passed motions supporting Taiwan’s stance on UN Resolution 2758. The UK Parliament is now the latest to join this group of international supporters.
Background on UN resolution 2758
UN Resolution 2758, adopted on 25 October 1971, recognised the People’s Republic of China as the only legitimate representative of China in the United Nations. The resolution replaced the Republic of China (ROC) with the PRC as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
Dutch support for Taiwan
In related news, the Dutch House of Representatives passed a motion earlier this week. The motion, proposed by Eric van der Burg, urges the Dutch government to establish a mutual legal assistance agreement with Taiwan. This marks the fifth pro-Taiwan motion passed by the Dutch House this year. The previous motions have called for Taiwan’s inclusion in international discussions and for stronger investment ties between Taiwan and the EU.
