In response to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Embassy in Brunei repeatedly spreading baseless falsehoods on its Facebook page about United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, we stress the obvious truth: no matter how many times a lie is repeated, it does not magically become fact.
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Brunei Darussalam issues this statement to categorically refute Beijing’s misinterpretation. The Office reaffirms that UNGA Resolution 2758 neither addresses Taiwan’s sovereignty nor authorizes the PRC to represent Taiwan in the United Nations system.
1.UNGA Resolution 2758 Does Not Address Taiwan’s Sovereignty
UNGA Resolution 2758 merely addressed the issue of “who represents China” in the United Nations. The text contains no reference to “Taiwan” or the “Republic of China.” Its sole purpose was to “restore the lawful rights of the People’s Republic of China” and “expel the representatives of Chiang Kai-shek,” and it did not concern Taiwan’s sovereignty or international status. Any attempt by PRC to read Taiwan into the resolution is nothing more than wishful thinking dressed up as law.
2.The UN Resolution Cannot Be Interpreted as a Transfer of Sovereignty
Under international law, UN General Assembly resolutions do not have the legal capacity to transfer sovereignty. The PRC’s attempt to cite the resolution as legal proof that “Taiwan belongs to China” violates the principle that “treaties and resolutions must not be interpreted beyond their explicit scope (ultra vires).”
3.UNGA Resolution 2758 Did Not Authorize the PRC to Represent Taiwan
The resolution recognized the PRC as holding China’s seat in the UN but did not authorize Beijing to represent the people or government of Taiwan.
Since 1949, Taiwan has exercised sovereignty independently, with a democratically elected government, a full judicial system, and extensive international trade relations, all beyond Beijing’s jurisdiction. Taiwan’s democratic reality cannot be erased by Beijing’s loud propaganda.
4.The International Community’s Acknowledgment of the One-China Policy Does Not Mean Recognition of China’s Sovereignty Over Taiwan
Most countries, when establishing diplomatic relations with the PRC, “acknowledged” Beijing as the sole legal government representing China but did not accept its sovereignty claim over Taiwan. This distinction between “acknowledgment” and “recognition” is legally and diplomatically significant.
5.Taiwan Has the Right to Meaningful Participation in the UN System
Beijing’s misuse of UNGA Resolution 2758 to exclude Taiwan from the UN system runs counter to the UN Charter’s founding principles. Taiwan, home to over 23.5 million people, is a vibrant democracy that contributes significantly to global issues such as public health, carbon reduction, technology, and disaster management.
6.Call on the International Community to Uphold Truth and Support Taiwan’s Meaningful Participation
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Brunei Darussalam calls upon the international community to:
(1)Uphold historical truth and legal accuracy, and reject the PRC’s misleading interpretation of UNGA Resolution 2758;
(2)Encourage inclusivity within the UN and its specialized agencies by allowing Taiwan’s pragmatic and constructive participation;
(3)Promote peaceful and rational dialogue across the Taiwan Strait to avoid political manipulation that undermines regional stability.
