U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell has spoken out on China’s misinterpretation of United Nations Resolution 2758 during a congressional hearing on Wednesday. Campbell stated that China is using the resolution to delegitimize Taiwan’s status in the United Nations, marking the latest stance from the Biden administration on this contentious issue.
During the hearing, Republican Representative Andy Barr pointed out that China has been using Resolution 2758 to claim Taiwan as part of China.
The United Nations General Assembly passed the resolution in 1971, recognizing the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the sole legal representative of “China” in the United Nations and expelling the representatives of the regime then led by Chiang Kai-shek (蔣介石).
However, Beijing has since expanded its interpretation, linking it to the One China Principle and using it to block Taiwan’s participation in UN organizations and activities. Barr says that the resolution did in fact mention Chiang Kai-shek, but it did not touch on the status of Taiwan. He then asked Campbell to clarify the U.S.’s position on China’s actions.
Campbell reiterated the U.S.’s stance on Taiwan, emphasizing their commitment to its Taiwan policy guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, Six Assurances, and Three Joint Communiqués. He acknowledged challenges in this framework but praised its contribution to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait over the past four decades. Campbell also expressed support for the United States-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act, which provides clarity on double taxation issues for Taiwan.