Washington: The United States has expressed strong disapproval of China’s actions, accusing Beijing of employing “coercive efforts” to exclude Taiwan from global forums by misusing United Nations Resolution 2758. This resolution, according to the U.S., does not restrict any country from engaging with Taiwan or prevent Taiwan’s participation in international organizations.

According to Focus Taiwan, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State highlighted that China’s interpretation of the resolution is part of a broader strategy to isolate Taiwan. The spokesperson emphasized that UNGA Resolution 2758 does not impose limitations on countries that wish to establish substantive relations with Taiwan or on Taiwan’s involvement in the U.N. system and other international arenas.

These comments were issued in response to a query from CNA regarding Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s recent statements. Wang Yi had referenced the resolution to justify China’s territorial claims over Taiwan during a press conference in Beijing, accompanying the conclusion of the “Two Sessions” meetings, which are pivotal annual gatherings for China’s legislative and advisory bodies.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has responded by condemning Wang’s assertions as “absurd” and “false,” accusing Beijing of attempting to mislead the international community. MOFA clarified that the resolution does not mention Taiwan or authorize the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to represent Taiwan and its people within the U.N. and its agencies. Furthermore, MOFA called on the global community to reject China’s interpretation of the resolution.

Resolution 2758, adopted by the 26th U.N. General Assembly in 1971, addressed China’s representation in the U.N., leading to the Republic of China (ROC) being replaced by the PRC. Notably, the resolution does not specifically mention Taiwan or the ROC by name.