Taiwan and the United Nations

Joining the UN is a common demand and wish of the people of Taiwan. In the past eight years, the government and people of Taiwan have begun to work toward achieving this goal. This year is the first year of the 21st century, and a good opportunity for the Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) government to adopt a new policy and new line of action. In the coming months of July and August, Taiwan's government should, in accordance with the stipulations of Article Four of the UN Charter, apply for admission as a new member to the UN, under the name "Taiwan."

A retrospective

Looking at the past, we very naturally think back to 51 years ago, the year when the issue of China's representation began to emerge at the UN. For every year between 1950 and 1971, this issue was considered and debated at the UN General Assembly. At that time, the Republic of China (ROC), represented by the Chiang Kai-shek (蔣中正) regime (which ruled Taiwan) was the sole legitimate representative of China to be recognized by the UN -- given the vehement support of the US.

In 1971, relations changed between the US and communist China, and between communist China and the USSR. The US began to play the China card, its intention being to use the People's Republic of China (PRC) to contain the USSR. That year also saw a significant change in the UN General Assembly, with several proposals being brought forth for discussion.

First, a group composed of Albania and some 22 other countries expressed their support for communist China, advocating that the PRC be allowed to enter the UN, and further, that the Chiang regime be expelled. This was the first proposal.

The second proposal was the "two Chinas" plan submitted by the US and others, calling for the PRC to enter the UN, but allowing the ROC to keep its seat. Additionally, there was the "one China, one Taiwan" proposal put forth by Saudi Arabia, which advocated that the PRC obtain the right to represent China in the UN -- including a seat on the Security Council -- but that Taiwan should stay in the UN under the name of "Taiwan." Further, in keeping with the principle of self-determination, and to respect the free will of the people of Taiwan, it was recommended that the UN conduct a plebiscite in Taiwan regarding its future. Saudi Arabia's representative to the UN thought that the "one China, one Taiwan" plan was a reasonable solution.

On Oct. 25, 1971, in an atmosphere of extreme tension, the UN General Assembly voted on Albania's proposal and passed Resolution No. 2758 by a two-thirds majority, effectively securing the PRC's entrance into the UN, and stripping the Chiang regime of the right to represent China. Thus, the PRC became China's sole legal government. Not only this, but other international organizations in the UN system one after another saw ROC replaced with PRC membership. Ironically, the Chiang regime at the time stressed a "gentlemen-won't-stand-together-with-thieves" policy and rejected co-existence with China in the UN. The outcome was that "only thieves stand, but not gentlemen." Today, facing the bullying and interference of communist China, the people of Taiwan hope that Taiwan can enter the UN. They have been busy researching and discussing how to go about it. All of this misfortune was created by the Chiang regime. Chiang completely neglected Taiwan's long-term interests, stubbornly rejecting the two Chinas and one China, one Taiwan proposals.