Illustration: Xia Qing/GT

Recently, in pursuit of their "Taiwan independence" agenda, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities on the island of Taiwan have colluded with external forces to deliberately distort and smear UN General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758, attempting to mislead the public on the island and deceive the international community. 

Resolution 2758, adopted by an overwhelming majority at the 26th session of the UNGA in 1971, restored the representation and seat of the whole of China, including the Taiwan region, to the government of the People's Republic of China within the UN system. More than half a century has passed since its adoption, yet the legitimacy, validity and authority of the resolution remain indisputable and unshakable.

The legitimacy of the resolution is rock solid. It represents the collective will of an overwhelming majority of countries and the lawful will of the UNGA. It also embodies the spirit of the UN Charter and the principles of international law and morality, such as respect for national sovereignty, equality and territorial integrity.

The validity of the resolution is beyond question. First, this is demonstrated by the language used in the resolution itself. It uses the word "decides" rather than terms such as "suggests," indicating a strong and binding nature. The resolution holds clear binding authority over the UNGA and related bodies. It establishes the status of Taiwan based on the one-China principle recognized by the international community. There is only one seat for China at the UN, precluding "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan."

Second, it has continued to be reflected in international practice since the resolution was adopted. The Taiwan authorities' pursuit of "dual representation" in the UN, "membership in the UN in the name of Taiwan" and "participation in the UN" have all ended in failure. The "Taiwan independence" forces are simply unable to challenge the one-China principle, the framework, the consensus and the relevant institutional arrangements supported by the resolution.

The authority of the resolution is unshakeable. In today's world, where changes and geopolitical turmoil are superimposed, upholding the supreme principles of humanity - emphasizing peace, development, fairness and justice - is of the utmost urgency. This means adhering to the international system with the UN at its core and the basic norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. UNGA Resolution 2758 and the one-China principle it advocates have become contemporary international norms and a universal consensus in the international community.

The UN system embodies the principles of equality among modern states, peaceful coexistence and non-interference in internal affairs, which are fundamentally opposed to unilateralism, hegemony and the "law of the jungle." However, as the white paper on China's national security in the new era points out, China is facing both common global and regional security risks and special security challenges at a critical stage of national rejuvenation. Some external forces are deliberately playing the "Taiwan card," and the "Taiwan independence" forces are stubbornly adhering to their separatist positions and taking risks and provocations. The authority of Resolution 2758 is reflected in the correct positions, policies and actions regarding Taiwan taken by the UNGA, specialized agencies and many UN member states, serving as an important international legal and moral foundation to resist and thwart those reckless provocations.

The Chinese government has a strong will and great capability to safeguard national interests and security. The Taiwan question is at the core of China's core interests. In the communiqué signed with the Chinese government upon establishing diplomatic relations, countries recognize that there is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. For governments around the world, managing relationships with China requires proper handling of the Taiwan question. The stance on this resolution will test each government's attitude toward the one-China principle. Any attempt to deny the one-China principle or distort the legitimacy, validity and authority of Resolution 2758 will be a regression in history, and it will inevitably encounter resolute opposition from the Chinese government and people, and will ultimately fail.

The author is deputy director of the Institute of Taiwan Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn