China renews One China dispute over UN resolution and Taiwan

Beijing has renewed its dispute with Taiwan over the interpretation of a United Nations General Assembly resolution, saying Taiwan has never been and will never be a country. The comments came in a fresh exchange over Resolution 2758, which China says confirms the One China principle. The row centres on competing claims about Taiwan's status and the meaning of the 1971 vote.

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Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning accused the authorities led by Lai Ching-te of distorting the resolution and of showing what she described as a separatist position on Taiwan independence. She said the resolution settled the question of China, including Taiwan, at the United Nations and rejected the idea of "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan". Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, also said the one-China principle is a basic norm of international relations.

The exchange follows earlier remarks by Lai, who said China was twisting Resolution 2758 and described Taiwan as a sovereign independent nation. Beijing responded that such language would not alter what it calls the historical and legal fact that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China. The dispute remains politically sensitive because it touches on Taiwan's international space and on how governments interpret the UN's position on representation.

Resolution 2758 was adopted in 1971 and recognised the People's Republic of China as the only legitimate representative of China at the United Nations. It also expelled the representatives of Chiang Kai-shek from the organisation. The text did not address Taiwan's sovereignty or political status, which has left room for continuing disagreement over how far the resolution can be used to support Beijing's claims.

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China says more than 180 UN member states support the One China principle. The row also sits within a wider diplomatic framework in which major powers including the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Japan, India and Australia maintain a one-China policy. Under that approach, they recognise the People's Republic of China as the government of China while acknowledging, but not explicitly endorsing, Beijing's claim over Taiwan.

What remains unclear is whether this latest exchange will lead to any change in diplomatic language or policy by either side. For now, the dispute appears to be continuing at the level of public statements rather than formal action. The next point to watch is whether Taiwan's leadership or Beijing's ministries issue further responses that sharpen the argument over Resolution 2758 and Taiwan's status.

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