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It's been 50 years since the restoration of all lawful rights of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in the United Nations (UN), but the threat to the position is growing.

Just two days before Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered his speech commemorating the PRC's 50 years at the UN, U.S. State Department put out a statement saying that the U.S. and authorities in Taiwan met virtually for a "discussion focused on supporting Taiwan's ability to participate meaningfully at the UN." This took place after weeks of escalating tensions in the Taiwan Straits, with U.S. President Joe Biden declaring for the second time in three months that the U.S. would defend Taiwan if Chinese mainland "invades."

When the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758 on October 25, 1971, to restore the PRC's rights in the UN, it meant the recognition of the PRC government representatives as the only legitimate UN representatives of China. The previous representatives from Kuomintang in the Taiwan region left the UN, signaling the end of the international recognition of political parties in Taiwan as the legitimate rulers of China. There's one China, and the PRC government governs it. This has been the foundation China built its diplomatic relations upon. The one-China policy is fundamental in every country's engagement with China.

China has no qualms with differences, but it wouldn't tolerate another country challenging its sovereignty and national integrity. The United States, forcing its allies into standing in line with its positions on Taiwan, is upending the international foundation. As one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council with veto power, China's participation in the UN is central to the protection of all the voices that were suppressed by the U.S.'s heavy-hand push for global uniformity. And if the world's only superpower doesn't abide by the rules and respect China's position, the UN itself – an organization who's effectiveness depends on the cooperation of all members, especially the five permanent ones – will cease to function.

Squeezing the PRC didn't work 50 years ago, and it won't work today. The PRC officials labored mightily for the restoration of their country's position, and they will be equally mighty in defending it. And all those who seek peace and development should defend it. As Chinese President Xi Jinping said during his speech marking the occasion on October 25, the past half-century has been the 50 years in which China peacefully developed and benefited the entire world.

China has become the second largest contributor to the UN, footing around 15 percent of UN's annual peacekeeping budget and 12 percent of UN's budget. It has been actively pushing all countries to resolve disputes peacefully and living by its actions. Even as it has been continuously provoked over its sovereignty, the PRC still treats military actions as the last of the last resorts and seeks resolution through peaceful dialogues and diplomacy.

China will do its utmost to uphold the UN and protect its rightful place in it. Any unilateral actions to change it will be met with fierce defense from China and all of the Chinese people. The past 50 years have seen great developments in China's national conditions and the international community. The stability of the global system benefits all, and it is everyone's duty to maintain it.

By Huang Jiyuan

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