…as Beijing marks 55th anniversary of restoration of its UN seat
Seithati Motšoeneng
CHINA has reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism and strengthening relations with Lesotho, while urging local media to respect its sovereignty claims over Taiwan.
Chinese Ambassador to Lesotho, Yang Xiaokun, made the remarks during a meeting with local media in Maseru this week to mark the 55th anniversary of the restoration of the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) seat at the United Nations (UN) and the Commemoration Day of Taiwan’s Restoration, both observed on 25 October.
Mr Yang said the two occasions highlighted China’s commitment to defending its sovereignty and national rights, while upholding the outcomes of the Second World War and the post-war international order.
“History is not merely a record of the past. It continues to shape international relations today and offers important lessons for safeguarding peace, justice and the legitimate rights of all nations,” Mr Yang said.
He recalled that China was a founding member of the UN in 1945 and one of the five permanent members of the Security Council.
The establishment of the PRC in 1949, he said, did not change China’s status as a subject of international law or alter its territorial boundaries.
On 25 October 1971, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758 by 76 votes to 35, with 17 abstentions. The resolution restored the PRC’s rights at the UN, recognised its representatives as the sole legitimate representatives of China and returned the country’s seat to the PRC government.
Mr Yang described the resolution as a landmark decision that brought a quarter of the world’s population back to the UN.
He said China had since played an active role in the organisation, promoting President Xi Jinping’s vision of a community with a shared future for humanity and advancing four global initiatives.
He cited China’s contributions to international development and peace efforts, including the establishment of the Group of Friends for Peace on Ukraine.
On development, Mr Yang said China’s Global Development Initiative had mobilised more than US$23 billion, supported over 1 800 cooperation projects and delivered more than 10 000 capacity-building programmes. It had also facilitated the training of more than 200 000 professionals from developing countries.
He further said China had fully implemented zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries with which it maintained diplomatic relations, a measure from which Lesotho was expected to benefit.
Turning to Taiwan, Mr Yang said the island had been Chinese territory since ancient times and that its return to Chinese control in 1945 followed the Allied victory in the Second World War.
He said the Chinese government announced on 25 October 1945 that it was resuming the exercise of sovereignty over Taiwan, following Japan’s surrender. A ceremony to accept Japan’s surrender was subsequently held in Taipei.
Mr Yang said 25 October was now observed as the Commemoration Day of Taiwan’s Restoration, reflecting China’s commitment to the one-China principle.
He described the principle as an international consensus and a fundamental norm governing relations between countries.
The ambassador also praised Lesotho’s position on the issue, citing a joint communiqué issued by the two governments in January and recent remarks by former Foreign Minister Lejone Mpotjoane.
According to Mr Yang, Lesotho had reaffirmed that there was one China, that Taiwan was part of China and that the PRC government was the sole legal government representing the whole country.
He urged local media to uphold the one-China principle in their reporting, commentary, interviews and other public communications.
Mr Yang said media outlets should not describe Taiwan as a country or provide a platform for what he termed “Taiwan independence” rhetoric.
“Respect for the one-China principle is essential to the political foundation of China-Lesotho relations,” he said.
He added that the Chinese Embassy would continue supporting local media and promoting coverage of friendship and cooperation between China and Lesotho.
