Lawmakers from two Australian political parties made a joint proposal that the Australian parliament pass a motion clarifying that UN Resolution 2758 concerns only China’s representation at the UN and has nothing to do with Taiwan.
That is to say: Taiwan belongs to Taiwan, and China belongs to China. There is one country on one side of the Taiwan Strait, and another country on the other.
In the past, Australia was closer to China, being its largest trade partner for mining and mineral resources.
China used to astound other countries by propping itself up as an “infrastructure addict,” touting its never-ending construction, which only expanded its real-estate bubble. It did this by importing massive amounts of coal and iron ore from Australia.
At the time, a seemingly endless stream of ships heavily laden with coal and iron embarked from ports in Australia’s Northern Territory, sailing along a route that stretched thousands of kilometers from the continent country through Southeast Asian waters toward Chinese harbors.
These shipments caused Australia’s economy to become overly reliant on China. However, Australia is no longer asleep at the wheel. Not only has it realized China’s real-estate and infrastructure bubbles are bursting, but it also recognizes that Beijing is a menacing force against human rights and democratic liberties and freedoms.
Australia is an important force among the great powers spanning the Pacific in countering and balancing China’s expansionist intentions. Alliances are forming on the margins of the oceanic expanse, such as the Quad — the US, Japan, India and Australia — which is working to contain China.
The US, the UK and Australia have formed the AUKUS agreement to enhance defense and technology cooperation.
Through technological support from the US and the UK, Australia is building a fleet of new-generation nuclear submarines, and is already maintaining and repairing US submarines.
In terms of foreign relations on the margins of the Pacific, Australia is the first line of defense, intercepting China’s infiltration of island nations across the vast waters.
Australia not only contributes to democratic power by serving as a logistical rear base for the US to keep China in check in the Pacific, but plays a proactive role by speaking up for Taiwan. Through a unanimous voice, Canberra is clarifying its international position on Taiwan’s national status.
Lawmakers in Canberra said: “That UN Resolution 2758 of Oct. 25, 1971 does not establish the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) sovereignty over Taiwan and does not determine the future status of Taiwan in the UN, nor Taiwanese participation in UN agencies or international organizations.”
The US has strongly spoken up on this issue on multiple occasions. The UN’s resolution only pertains to China and has no relation to Taiwan or its territories. Washington has unequivocally and consistently clarified the US’ “one China” policy: Taiwan’s affairs are the purview of Taiwanese and China has no right or standing to interfere.
The EU not long ago also passed a statement opposing China’s warping, twisting and manipulation of UN Resolution 2758, which Beijing uses to block Taiwan’s membership in the UN or from participating in UN-related agencies and functions. By rectifying the UN resolution, Canberra is fighting for Taiwan to reobtain international recognition. This is a giant step forward.
Moreover, because of Australia’s special position, it not only represents itself, but also the Quad and AUKUS.
Taiwan is Taiwan, and it is not subordinate to China. This is already the consensus among the global family of democracies. With Australia giving Taiwan so much support, as its latest actions show, Taiwanese are better able to advocate more vociferously that Taiwan belongs to Taiwanese, and that our country is not a Chinese matter.
Tommy Lin is chairman of the Formosa Republican Association and director of the Taiwan United Nations Alliance.
Translated by Tim Smith
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