…holds reception on the Taiwan question
Moroke Sekoboto
THE People’s Republic of China has commemorated the adoption of the 25 October 1971 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758, which restored all rights of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and recognised its government as the only legitimate representative of China to the United Nations, while expelling the representatives of Chiang Kai-shek.
Speaking during a reception on the Taiwan question and the One-China principle at the Chinese Embassy yesterday, Chinese Ambassador Yang Xiaokun reaffirmed his country’s commitment to upholding Resolution 2758 — a resolution he described as being of “profound historic and contemporary significance”.
Mr Xiaokun recalled that China’s status as a founding member of the UN and a permanent member of the UN Security Council was affirmed when the Charter of the United Nations was signed in 1945.
“At that time, the official name of China was the Republic of China (ROC). In 1949, the Chinese people, led by the Communist Party of China (CPC), overthrew the ROC government and founded the People’s Republic of China (PRC), becoming the successor to the ROC. The Central People’s Government of the PRC became the only legal government for the whole of China,” Mr Xiaokun said.
He explained that the Chiang Kai-shek clique fled to the Taiwan region and continued to claim to represent China.
“It was simply the replacement of an old government by a new one, while China, as a subject of international law, remained unchanged; and China’s sovereignty and inherent territorial boundaries stayed the same,” Mr Xiaokun said.
He stressed that the PRC “naturally and fully enjoys and exercises China’s sovereignty, including over Taiwan.” However, due to the obstruction by the United States and some Western countries, China’s rightful seat at the UN had been “illegally occupied by the Chiang Kai-shek clique” for years.
Mr Xiaokun emphasised that Resolution 2758 “settled once and for all” the political, legal, and procedural issues of China’s representation at the UN, reaffirming international justice and restoring China’s rightful place in the global community.
“More than five decades later, this resolution remains a cornerstone for understanding the One-China principle, one of the most fundamental norms in international relations, and for safeguarding the authority of the United Nations and the post-war international order,” he said.
He added that UNGA Resolution 2758 “solemnly confirms and fully embodies the One-China principle,” which holds that there is only one China in the world, that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, and that the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China.
“Every country should firmly oppose all forms of ‘Taiwan independence’ and resolutely support the Chinese government’s efforts to realise national reunification,” Mr Xiaokun said.
Speaking at the same event, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Lejone Mpotjoane, described the commemoration as a pivotal moment in international diplomacy and “a triumph of justice.”
He said that 53 years ago, the global community made a decisive and correct choice through the adoption of Resolution 2758, which “settled once and for all” the question of China’s representation at the UN.
“It unequivocally recognised the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government representing the whole of China. For the Kingdom of Lesotho, this resolution was not merely procedural — it was, and remains, a matter of principle,” Mr Mpotjoane said.
He stressed that the UN must remain truly universal, reflecting the world as it is, and that the legitimate rights of a great nation and its people cannot be denied.
“Lesotho is proud to have been part of the overwhelming majority that supported this just cause. We believed then, as we do now, that the full participation of the People’s Republic of China is indispensable for addressing the complex challenges facing our world. From peace and security to sustainable development, China’s voice, wisdom, and contributions are vital.”
Mr Mpotjoane further hailed China’s post-resolution transformation, noting its remarkable economic growth, technological advancement, and contributions to international peacekeeping and development finance.
He added that the event was also an opportunity to celebrate the strong and fraternal bilateral relations between Lesotho and China.
“Our friendship, forged in the struggle for a more just international order, has matured into a comprehensive and strategic partnership.”
Mr Mpotjoane acknowledged China’s continued support to Lesotho in areas such as infrastructure development, agriculture, healthcare, and human resource development, noting that the cooperation is grounded in principles of mutual respect, mutual benefit, and non-interference.
“As we look to the future, the strategic guidance provided by our leaders, along with the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), ensures that our partnership will continue to reach new heights.”
Mr Mpotjoane said the legacy of Resolution 2758 is twofold.
“First, it stands as an enduring reminder that justice and the correct application of international law will always prevail. Second, it laid the foundation for the People’s Republic of China to fulfil its destiny as a responsible global leader and an indispensable partner for developing nations like Lesotho.”
