TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Days after hosting a Taiwanese delegation in The Hague, the Netherlands House of Representatives passed a resolution on Thursday (Sept. 12) acknowledging that China does not have administrative power over Taiwan.
The resolution was brought to the floor by members of the Democrats 66 party, stating that UN Resolution 2758 does not govern Taiwan’s representation at the international body. It also recognizes that China is blocking Taiwan's participation in the UN, which runs counter to the interests of the Netherlands.
Netherlands representatives at this year’s UN General Assembly (Sept. 22-24) have been called on to promote Taiwan’s future participation at the UN and in affiliated international bodies, such as the ICAO and WHO. Likewise, the measure also encourages Dutch officials to encourage other members of the European Union to encourage and promote Taiwan’s active participation in the UN and other international organizations.
The measure was passed by an overwhelming majority of 147 votes in favor and only three votes in opposition. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its sincere respect and gratitude to Dutch lawmakers for the motion in a press release, which called the resolution a measure of “great significance.”
The language of the resolution states that Taiwan's representation at the UN will not conflict with the Netherlands' “one-China policy.” While making no explicit declaration of the Netherlands' relationship with Taiwan, the resolution notes that other nations, including France and Australia, have decided not to follow China's interpretation of UN Resolution 2758 regarding Taiwan's international status.
UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, passed in 1971, admitted the communist government in Beijing to the UN and transferred recognition of sovereignty over China from the government in Taipei.
Resolution 2758 does not include any statements on China's sovereignty over Taiwan. Despite this, China consistently distorts the language of UN Resolution 2578 to bolster expansionist claims over Taiwan.
The full text of the resolution passed by the Netherlands House of Representatives on Thursday can be read below.
