UN rejects Taiwan admission application
Taipei (AsiaNews/Agencies) – The United Nations has rejected Taiwan's application to become a member of the world body, citing its adherence to the "one China" policy and its recognition of the Chinese government in Beijing. The application was returned by the U.N. Office of Legal Affairs citing a 1971 resolution that switched recognition from Taipei to Beijing as China's sole lawful representative to the world body.
In Taipei, Foreign Ministry spokesman David Wang deplored the U.N.'s decision, describing it as a political decision”. “The 1971 resolution should be reviewed, - he says - as it fails to address the question of the right of representation and participation by the Taiwanese people”.
The “one China” policy affirms that Taiwan and China belong have the same national identity. Following the 1949 civil war Taiwan held its seat in the UN, representing China; until in 1971 it was excluded in favour of Beijing.
On July 19, the self-ruled island applied to join the United Nations as Taiwan — a departure from 14 previous post-1971 applications as the Republic of China. The bid reflected the policies of President Chen Shui-bian, who favours making the island's de facto independence permanent. Chen last month announced plans for a referendum that would support the government's bid to enter the U.N. Today, presidential spokesman David Lee said the referendum plans will not be affected by the U.N.'s decision.
Taiwan's U.N. bid was roundly condemned by China, and also opposed by the United States, which saw it as an effort to change the fragile status quo that has governed relations among the three.
Wang Guangya, China's ambassador to the world body described the Taiwan’s move as “extremely ridiculous, and it is a blatant move toward Taiwan independence”. China claims that Taiwan is part of its territory, and although it is forced to tolerate the current situation, it takes every opportunity to impede the Island’s initiatives for independence.
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