Taiwan Rejects PRC Sovereignty Claims, Urges EU Deterrence

Diplomat Roy Chun Lee Highlights Island’s Distinct Identity and Role

Taiwan has unequivocally stated it has never been part of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), asserting its sovereign status in a direct rebuttal to Beijing’s claims. Representative to the EU and Belgium, **Roy Chun Lee**, penned an opinion piece urging Europe to actively deter escalating coercion in the Taiwan Strait.

Challenging Beijing’s Narrative

The Taipei Representative Office in the EU and Belgium shared **Lee**’s article, framing it as Taiwan’s definitive perspective on its identity and international standing. This response directly counters a sponsored piece published by the Mission of China to the EU, which argued for the PRC’s sovereignty over Taiwan based on UN Resolution 2758.

Chinese international affairs commentator **Xin Ping** contended that UN Resolution 2758, passed in 1971, established the PRC’s sovereignty over Taiwan, a point **Xin** insisted is beyond debate.

Taiwan’s Historical and Legal Standing

**Roy Chun Lee** opened his argument forcefully: Taiwan has never been part of the PRC, not even for a single day. He elaborated, Since the cession of Taiwan by the Qing Dynasty to Japan in 1895, no government in China has ever exercised its jurisdiction over Taiwan.

“In fact, during the 75 years since the PRC’s founding in 1949, Taiwan has existed as a sovereign state under its official name, the Republic of China [Taiwan].”

—Roy Chun Lee, Representative to the EU and Belgium

He emphasized that this reality constitutes the prevailing status quo, with Taiwan’s sovereign existence being an undeniable fact that requires no UN membership for validation.

A Unique, Developed Identity

Over the past 130 years, Taiwan, much like many European nations, has cultivated a distinct identity. This evolution has been shaped by a rich multicultural heritage, drawing influences from Chinese, Dutch, Spanish, Japanese, and indigenous peoples.

Taiwan’s stature as a sovereign nation with a unique identity is evident in its global impact as an economic, democratic, and technological powerhouse. Its achievements, including leadership in the semiconductor industry, a top-tier economy, and high rankings in democracy and freedom indexes, underscore this point.

The island’s international recognition is further solidified by its position as the world’s 21st-largest economy and its high rankings in global democracy indices, where it is lauded as 12th worldwide and first in Asia. For example, Taiwan’s commitment to democratic principles was highlighted in the 2023 report by the Economist Intelligence Unit, which ranked it as a ‘Full Democracy’.

Combating PRC Coercion

Despite these accomplishments, the PRC persists in denying Taiwan’s sovereign existence, misinterpreting UN Resolution 2758 to assert its claims. **Lee** highlighted the resolution’s brevity and the absence of the word “Taiwan” within its text, quoting European Commissioner **Nicolas Schmit** from the previous year.

Since the resolution offers no legal basis for PRC territorial claims or denial of Taiwan’s sovereignty, China has intensified aggressive tactics, including military intimidation and economic pressure, targeting Taiwan and its regional neighbors.

Europe’s Role in Deterrence

**Lee** proposed a three-pronged approach for Europe to counter coercion in the Taiwan Strait:

• Acknowledge Taiwan as a democracy governed daily by its 23 million citizens.
• Expose and resist PRC disinformation, economic blackmail, and military intimidation.
• Foster deeper partnerships with Taiwan through expanded cooperation in trade, technology, security, and cultural exchanges, building shared resilience.