Linn Maung
Canadian MPs have unanimously rejected China’s claim that a 1971 UN resolution gives China sovereignty over Taiwan. The MPs backed amotion presented in the House of Commons on November 6th opposing China’s claim that a 1971 United Nations resolution establishes China’s sovereignty over the island of Taiwan. Speaking in French Peron presented the motion which said thehouse of Commons acknowledged that the UN resolution of October 25th 1971 does not establish the sovereignty of the People’s Republic of China PRC over Taiwan nor does it determine the future of Taiwan nor its participation in un agencies or International organizations. Peron said the motion referencing UN resolution 2758 reflected consultation with the other political parties and that there was unanimous consent to support it.
Liberal MP Judy grow seconded the motion allowing it to proceed to discussion the motion is rooted in the context of Chinese history and a turn in the Chinese Civil War of 1949 when the Chinese Communist Party CCP gained control of mainland China and established the People’s Republic of China PRC replacing the Republic of China ROC led by the Nationalist government.
Following this defeat, theNationalist government retreated to the island of Taiwan where it continues to use the name Republic of China as its official state name. Most countries did not immediately recognize the PRC at the time of its establishment due in part to Cold War Dynamics. The ROC continued to hold one of the five permanent seats on the UN Security Council until 1971 when UN resolution 2758 was passed.
The resolution recognized PRC Representatives as the only lawful representatives of China to the United Nations thereby removing the ROC government’s representation and expelling it from the UN and its affiliated agencies. However, the resolution did not establish Taiwan as part of the PRC nor did it address Taiwan’s International status NP’s rejection of the PRC’s claim over Taiwan follows a recent statement by Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi at the UN General Assembly in September in which he claimed that UN resolution 2758 recognizes only one Chinese government and that Beijing is committed to reunifying Taiwan.
China has threatened to use military force to achieve its goal of controlling Taiwan and has repeatedly deployed military aircraft into Taiwan’s air defence identification Zone ADIZ and Naval vessels into nearby Waters. China has ramped up its military actions since Taiwanese president Li Ching Te’s inauguration on May 20th China conducted punitive drills around the island according to Harry Ho Jen saying Taiwan’s representative to Canada who testified before the house defence committee on September 26th. Since then Chinese war planes and warships have been intruding into our ADIZ and nearby waters.
Sometimes crossing the median line of the Taiwan strait, a provocative move equally familiar to our neighbouring countries Sang said. Peron condemned China’s exploitation of the UN resolution to justify its aggressive actions towards the island. China is manipulating the meaning of this UN resolution to legitimize its military actions in Taiwan’s airspace and territorial waters. Peron wrote in a French statement as a caption on YouTube where he shared a video of his presentation of the motion in the house. In short Chinese leader Xi Jinping is using the UN resolution to endorse his intimidation and claim that Taiwan belongs to him he added. Independent MP Kevin Wong echoed the view ‘it’s time for Taiwan to take its rightful place on the world stage as an equal partner and thriving democracy’ he said on the social media platform X.
Canada is not the only country to reject China’s use of the resolution to assert its claim over Taiwan. In August the Australian Senate passed a similar motion led by Senators David Faucet and Deborah O’Neal while Taiwan currently maintains official diplomatic relations with just 12 countries it is robust trade cultural and unofficial ties with Canada and many countries around the world. Citing Canada’s growing economic, cultural and interpersonal ties withTaiwan Peron said we continue to join our voice with our partners to support the meaningful participation of Taiwan and international organizations such as the international civil aviation organization and the World Health Organization.
In conclusion, Canadian MPs have taken a firm stance against China’s interpretation of the 1971 UN resolution regarding Taiwan’s sovereignty. By unanimously rejecting the claim, they highlighted their commitment to supporting Taiwan’s status and participation in international organizations. This move aligns with similar actions by other countries, such as Australia, and underscores the global concern over China’s assertive policies. The decision reflects the growing economic, cultural, and interpersonal ties between Canada and Taiwan and signifies a broader effort to ensure Taiwan’s meaningful inclusion on the world stage.
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