China Takes UN Seat: Taiwan Expelled
The United Nations General Assembly voted 76 to 35 on October 25, 1971, to seat the People's Republic of China and expel the Republic of China (Taiwan). The vote, on Resolution 2758, ended 22 years of U.S. efforts to keep Taiwan in the UN. The PRC immediately took China's permanent seat on the Security Council with its veto power. Taiwan's delegation walked out before the final vote. The change reflected a shifting global reality: dozens of newly independent nations in Africa and Asia recognized Beijing, and the U.S. itself was secretly negotiating Nixon's upcoming visit to China. Taiwan lost diplomatic recognition from most nations over the following decade. Today, only 13 countries and the Holy See formally recognize the Republic of China. Taiwan has never been readmitted to the UN.
October 25, 1971
55 years ago
Key Figures & Places
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