Dutch Parliament Rejects China’s Claim on Taiwan
- The Dutch Parliament's Tweede Kamer passed a motion on October 25, 2023, with a 147 to 3 vote, rejecting China's territorial claim over Taiwan.
- The motion clarifies that U.N. Resolution 2758 does not grant China sovereignty over Taiwan and aims to promote Taiwan's participation in international organizations.
- This legislative action signifies a growing support among democratic nations for Taiwan's representation and a challenge to China's narrative.
On September 10, 2023, the 79th session of the U.N. General Assembly commenced, coinciding with significant political developments in the Netherlands. The Dutch Parliament's Tweede Kamer overwhelmingly passed a motion on October 25, 2023, with a vote of 147 to 3, rejecting China's claim of sovereignty over Taiwan. This motion, spearheaded by MP Jan Paternotte, emphasized that U.N. Resolution 2758 of 1971 does not confer such sovereignty and aims to correct China's misinterpretation of the resolution. The resolution, which led to Taiwan's removal as a permanent member of the U.N., has been misused by China to assert its 'one China principle.' This principle claims that Taiwan is part of China, a stance that many countries, including the U.S., do not fully endorse. The Dutch motion seeks to promote Taiwan's participation in international organizations, countering Beijing's efforts to isolate Taiwan diplomatically. Paternotte, a member of the Dutch Democrats 66 party and co-chair of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), stated that the motion aims to open doors for Taiwan's representation in global forums. The IPAC, which includes lawmakers from various countries, has been actively working to challenge China's narrative regarding Taiwan's status. Taiwan's foreign ministry expressed gratitude for the Dutch motion, highlighting its significance during the ongoing U.N. session. The passage of this motion reflects a broader commitment among democratic nations to support Taiwan against Chinese pressure and to uphold democratic values in the face of authoritarianism.