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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Dec 1998

Vol. 498 No. 4

Written Answers. - Taiwanese Affairs.

Ivor Callely

Question:

110 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline Ireland's attitude to Taiwan, in particular to its application to join the United Nations and other international bodies. [27554/98]

When Ireland and China established diplomatic relations in 1979, it was agreed that the Government of the People's Republic of China would be recognised as the sole legal Government of China. This position, which has been adopted by the great majority of countries, is known as the ‘one China' policy. In keeping with this policy, we do not recognise the claims of the Taiwanese authorities to be the legal Government of China nor do we recognise Taiwan as a separate independent State.

Accordingly, the Government does not support the application of Taiwan to be a member of the United Nations nor of any other organisation made up of sovereign independent states. The Government is nevertheless favourably disposed to the participation of representatives of the people of Taiwan in economic, technical, social, sporting and cultural activities and organisations where non-state entities are eligible to participate.

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