Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed gratitude toward the European Union, with a particular nod to France, for clarifying that United Nations Resolution 2758 addresses only China’s representation and makes no mention of Taiwan.
The statement, aligning with recent EU diplomatic rhetoric, underscores a growing international debate over the resolution’s implications amid escalating tensions in the Asia-Pacific region.
Adopted in 1971, UN Resolution 2758 recognized the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the sole legitimate representative of China in the United Nations, effectively replacing Taiwan’s Nationalist government.
While Beijing asserts that the resolution affirms its sovereignty over Taiwan, Taipei and its allies, including parts of the EU, argue it solely resolves the question of China’s UN seat and does not determine Taiwan’s status.
France’s implicit support within the EU’s recent clarification—reported earlier this week—has been hailed by Taiwanese officials as a principled stance upholding international law and the rules-based order.
“We appreciate the EU’s reaffirmation that Resolution 2758 does not address Taiwan’s status,” a Taiwanese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said. “This reflects shared values of peace, truth, and respect for the international community.”
The statement comes as Taiwan seeks to bolster its diplomatic ties with European nations, countering China’s efforts to isolate it on the global stage. France, a key EU member with historical ties to Taiwan dating back to the early 20th century, has played a nuanced role in this diplomatic dance.
Despite switching recognition to the PRC in 1964, France has maintained robust economic links with Taiwan, contributing to the €53 billion in EU foreign direct investment to the island from 1952 to 2023.
This economic engagement, particularly in sectors like offshore wind and technology, underscores the EU’s strategic interest in Taiwan, even as it navigates its relationship with Beijing.The clarification follows a period of heightened rhetoric from China, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterating in March 2025 that Taiwan must be referred to as “Taiwan, Province of China” under the resolution.
However, the EU’s stance aligns with a 2024 European Parliament resolution that criticized China’s misinterpretation of Resolution 2758 and called for increased support for Taiwan’s de facto independence. This shift reflects growing unease in Europe over China’s military provocations around the Taiwan Strait.
Analysts suggest that France’s position could signal a broader realignment in EU policy, especially as the United States strengthens its security commitments to Taiwan. With trade between the EU and Taiwan reaching €78.3 billion in 2023, economic ties are likely to deepen, potentially complicating Beijing’s “One-China” policy.
As the situation evolves, Taiwan’s outreach to unrecognized states like Somaliland—where it established a representative office in 2020—further highlights its strategy to build alternative alliances.
For now, Taiwan views the EU’s clarification as a diplomatic victory, reinforcing its narrative of a distinct identity, the international community watches closely as this decades-old resolution continues to shape the geopolitics of the 21st century.