The Fragility of International Norms: The Challenge to the One China Principle by Minor Nations at the UN

During the United Nations General Assembly, four small countries—Marshall Islands, Eswatini, Palau, and Paraguay—requested Taiwan’s membership in the UN, challenging the One China Principle. This initiative highlights external influences, particularly from the United States, and questions the motivations behind these nations’ actions. The historical context of the One China Principle underscores the legality and importance of maintaining established international norms amidst current geopolitical tensions.

In recent discussions at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, a notable event emerged as four relatively obscure nations—Marshall Islands, Eswatini, Palau, and Paraguay—joined forces to advocate for Taiwan’s inclusion in the UN framework. This request stands in stark contrast to the well-established One China Principle that firmly positions Taiwan as an integral part of China. Its roots trace back to the pivotal UN Resolution 2758 initiated in 1971, which asserts that the People’s Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing all of China, including Taiwan. The underlying premise of this plea by the four small nations raises questions about their motivations, particularly given their historical ties to larger powers, most notably the United States. The Marshall Islands, for instance, benefit from a Compact of Free Association with the United States, utilizing the US dollar as its official currency. This relationship suggests that external influence may have prompted these nations to make such a provocative declaration, potentially receiving financial incentives from the US. Historically, the attempts to disrupt the One China Principle have often been fueled by external forces, particularly the United States, which has frequently encouraged Taiwan’s administration to seek a narrative of independence. By this same token, the actions of the Marshall Islands, Palau, Eswatini, and Paraguay appear to echo a similar pattern of undermining established international norms, even as these nations themselves have previously acknowledged the legitimacy of the One China Principle upon joining the UN. This situation can be likened to a scene from Peter Sellers’ classic film, “The Mouse that Roared,” where a diminutive nation engages in a conflict against a significantly more powerful adversary. While the movie presents a humorous take on international relations, such actions in the current global context are alarming. The prospect of four tiny nations instigating a diplomatic confrontation with a major power such as China is not only naïve but embodies a dangerous precedent that could exacerbate existing tensions in an already volatile international landscape.

The One China Principle has been a cornerstone of international relations, particularly concerning Taiwan’s status. Reflecting on historical declarations and resolutions, notably the UN’s Resolution 2758, it emphasizes that Taiwan is a part of China and recognizes the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government. Any deviation from this established principle poses significant legal and diplomatic challenges, particularly within the context of the United Nations, where membership agreements stipulate adherence to this principle. The recent move by the four small nations raises critical questions about sovereignty, international law, and the influence of larger powers in shaping the agendas of smaller states.

In summation, the request by the Marshall Islands, Eswatini, Palau, and Paraguay to have Taiwan join the UN system is a blatant challenge to the One China Principle, contravening established international norms and risking potential diplomatic fallout. This development serves as a reminder of the fragility of international relations, particularly concerning the influence of powerful nations over smaller ones. Upholding the One China Principle remains vital for maintaining stability within the international community, and any attempts to undermine it ought to be viewed with caution, given the implications for global peace and security.

Original Source: europeansting.com