Chinese Ambassador to India Reaffirms One-China Principle, Citing UNGA Resolution 2758

Ambassador Xu Feihong Articulates China's Stance on Taiwan

Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong published an article in the India Writes Network on October 4, 2025, titled 'UNGA Resolution 2758 Must Not Be Distorted, One-China Principle Brooks No Challenge'. The article aimed to clarify China's position on the Taiwan question and firmly reaffirm the One-China Principle. Ambassador Xu stated that Taiwan's restoration to China was a 'victorious outcome of World War II (WWII) and an integral part of the post-WWII international order'.

The One-China Principle and the Taiwan Question

In his article, Ambassador Xu Feihong elaborated on the historical and legal basis for China's claim over Taiwan. He asserted that Taiwan has been part of China since ancient times, with Chinese authorities exercising jurisdiction as early as the 12th century. He highlighted that the Cairo Declaration of 1943 explicitly stipulated that Taiwan, which had been ceded to Japan in 1895, should be restored to China, a point reaffirmed by the Potsdam Proclamation in July 1945. According to the Ambassador, the One-China Principle is clear: 'there is only one China in the world. Taiwan is part of China. The Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China'. This principle forms the foundation of China's foreign policy, guiding its opposition to Taiwan developing diplomatic relations or participating in the United Nations system and other intergovernmental international organizations. To date, over 180 countries have established diplomatic relations with China based on this principle.

UNGA Resolution 2758: China's Interpretation and International Perspectives

A central point of Ambassador Xu's article was the significance of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758, passed on October 25, 1971. He stated that this resolution 'settled once and for all the political, legal and procedural issues of China's representation in the UN, which covered the whole country, including Taiwan'. The resolution recognized the People's Republic of China (PRC) as 'the only legitimate representative of China to the United Nations' and removed the representatives of Chiang Kai-shek (Republic of China/Taiwan) from the UN. Ambassador Xu noted that the UN and its specialized agencies refer to Taiwan as 'Taiwan, Province of China'.

However, the interpretation of UNGA Resolution 2758 has been a subject of international discussion. While China maintains that the resolution fully embodies the One-China Principle and resolves Taiwan's status, some international entities, including the European Parliament and the Parliament of Australia, have stated that the resolution does not establish the PRC's sovereignty over Taiwan or determine its future status. These differing views suggest that the resolution primarily addressed the issue of China's representation at the UN, rather than Taiwan's sovereign status.

Broader Diplomatic Context and India's Position

Ambassador Xu's article in an Indian publication comes amidst ongoing diplomatic exchanges between China and India. He pointed out that India itself voted in favor of UNGA Resolution 2758 in 1971, demonstrating its historical stance. Recent discussions between the two nations have seen China urging India to adhere to the One-China Principle. While India maintains economic, technological, and cultural ties with Taiwan, it has historically acknowledged the One-China policy. The Ambassador's outreach underscores China's consistent efforts to reinforce its position on Taiwan within the international community, particularly with key regional partners like India.