Written by: Emilie Sterna
27 June 2025
Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), has been facing diplomatic isolation since 1971. This unique and complex position is mainly due to United Nations (UN) Resolution 2758, adopted in 1971. Since the adoption of this UN Resolution, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has claimed Taiwan as part of its territory under the One China Principle. This has resulted in official diplomatic isolation for Taiwan, as it is not recognised as a country by the majority of countries. As a result, Taiwan cannot represent itself in most international organisations. Taiwan is now only recognised by 11 countries. To overcome this situation, Taiwan must use unconventional means to express its identity on the world stage, such as parallel diplomacy through NGOs and civil society. This article aims to analyse the consequences of UN Resolution 2758 and how Taiwan can mobilise NGOs and civil society to strengthen its informal presence on the international scene.
The Consequences of UN Resolution 2758
To fully understand Taiwanese identity, it is important to return to the origins of the Republic of China (ROC), established in 1912 and led by the Kuomintang (KMT) political party. The ROC was the ruling government of China during the Chinese Civil War, which began in 1927 against the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). After periods of intermittent conflict and a brief alliance to resist Japanese invasion during World War II, the civil war resumed following the end of World War II. By 1949, the CCP had gained control of mainland China and proclaimed the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, forcing the ROC government to retreat to Taiwan. Nevertheless, as a victor of the Second World War, the ROC was a founding member of the United Nations and one of the five permanent members of the Security Council. However, during the 1960s and 1970s, the People’s Republic of China (PRC), which at that time was not recognised by most countries and was not yet a member of the UN, began to gain importance on a global scale, particularly in economic terms. As a result, the United States, along with many other countries, started to strengthen relations with the PRC. On 25 September 1971, Albania, a PRC ally supported by 23 countries, submitted a motion to the UN General Assembly to restore the legitimate and exclusive rights of the PRC as the sole representative of China at the United Nations, which led to the immediate expulsion of the ROC, described as “illegally seated” in China’s place. This motion became Resolution 2758 (XXVI), which was adopted a month later, on 25 October 1971, with 76 votes in favour, 35 against, and 17 abstentions. Consequently, the ROC lost its seat at the UN and its representation in all UN organisations, including the World Health Organisation (WHO). The ROC held China’s seat from 1945 until 1971. However, this resolution does not make any statement regarding the status of Taiwan or its inclusion as Chinese territory, nor does it forbid the admission of a Taiwanese state to the UN. Two major terms emerged following the adoption of Resolution 2758 (XXVI):
The One China Principle, primarily advocated by the People’s Republic of China (PRC), asserts that there is only one China in the world, that the PRC is its sole legitimate government, and that Taiwan is simply a province of China.
The One-China Policy, mainly use by the United States, also recognises the PRC as the sole legal government of China, but does not address the status of Taiwan.
These two positions share only the belief that there is a single China. However, they differ fundamentally regarding Taiwan’s status. It is also important to note that some states do not adopt either of these terms, instead creating their own definitions and diplomatic stances using specific language. The PRC insists that other countries must choose between maintaining diplomatic and economic relations with the PRC or with the ROC. As a result, Taiwan’s diplomatic engagement in international forums is complex, as China opposes its participation in the UN system and blocks its membership in most international organisations. China only allows Taiwan to participate in certain organisations where statehood is not a requirement, and only if Taiwan participates under the names “Taiwan, China”, “Taiwan, Province of China”, or “Taipei, China”. Moreover, China has been increasingly assertive in reaffirming its claim over Taiwan. For instance, in August 2022, it released the “White Paper: The Taiwan Question and China’s Reunification in the New Era”, the third document of its kind published by the PRC. As stated in its preamble, this white paper aims to reiterate that Taiwan belongs to the PRC and to demonstrate China’s determination and commitment to reunification “for the benefit of all Chinese.” Additionally, in 2007, the Taiwanese President, Chen Shui-bian, attempted to apply for UN membership under the name “Taiwan,” but this proposal was immediately rejected, with the PRC denouncing it as ridiculous.
The role of NGOs and Civil Society: informal presence
As Taiwan is not internationally recognised as a sovereign state, it is not invited to participate in major international summits or forums. Consequently, NGOs and civil society organisations play a vital role in representing Taiwan abroad. Unlike official Taiwanese diplomats, members of these organisations can often be admitted to global organisations and forums, thereby contributing to Taiwan’s informal presence on the international stage and serving as important channels for multilateral diplomacy. NGOs and civil society groups frequently organise or co
organise events alongside global forums, sometimes in partnership with Taiwan’s diplomatic allies or other countries. Official or semi-official representatives of the Taiwanese government participate in these events to engage with states with which they lack formal diplomatic relations, with NGOs and civil society acting as facilitators and intermediaries for the ROC government, which is otherwise unable to do so directly. Even though Taiwan is not invited to world summits, its representatives travel to the same locations at the same time to hold side events on the sidelines of major gatherings, hoping to interact with diplomats from other countries. For this reason, Taiwan works closely with its diplomatic allies to communicate its positions and messages. For instance, during COP26 in Glasgow in October 2021, the Taiwanese government organised a side event called “Taiwan Day” near the official conference venue. This initiative aimed to highlight Taiwan’s efforts to follow international agreements and treaties, despite not being authorised to sign them. This demonstrates its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and seeking greater acceptance from the international community. At COP28 in December 2023, Taiwan’s Minister of the Environment travelled to Dubai even though he could not officially participate. However, the Taiwanese delegation was able to take part through NGOs, such as the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI). During the event, eleven diplomatic allies spoke on Taiwan’s behalf, ensuring its voice was heard. In addition, Taiwan partnered with the governments of Palau and Saint Kitts and Nevis to set up national pavilions on the sidelines, and organised five side events in collaboration with five Taiwanese NGOs and five diplomatic allies. These events focused on global warming issues such as the transition to carbon neutrality, climate justice, climate adaptation, and climate finance.
In conclusion, NGOs and civil society play a significant role in promoting and asserting Taiwanese identity on the international stage. In the absence of formal recognition, they help Taiwan achieve a degree of acceptance in the international community. However, Beijing frequently exerts pressure on NGOs and representatives of Taiwanese civil society. For instance, in August 2021, Beijing opposed the admission of the World Bicycle Industry Association to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) because the Taiwan Bicycle Association is one of its members. Additionally, Taiwanese journalists, even when granted prior authorisation, may still be denied entry to United Nations events. As a result, Taiwan must continually find new means to assert its identity internationally.
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