Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 (XXVI) and the harmful conflation of China's "One China Principle" and the United States "One China Policy".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 148
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-21: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2025-11-30T07:03:22Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This resolution (H. Res. 148) expresses the House of Representatives' view on United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 (passed in 1971), which recognized the People's Republic of China (PRC) as the representative for "China" at the UN. It aims to clarify that this resolution does not endorse the PRC's "One China Principle" (which claims Taiwan as part of China) and to distinguish it from the U.S. "one China policy" (which acknowledges the PRC's position but does not take a stance on Taiwan's sovereignty and supports a peaceful resolution). The goal is to counter the PRC's alleged misuse of the resolution to isolate Taiwan internationally.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes a detailed preamble outlining historical context, PRC actions, and U.S. positions, followed by 11 specific points in the "Resolved" section:
- Reaffirmation of U.S. policy: The U.S. "one China policy" acknowledges the PRC's claims but does not recognize PRC control over Taiwan, supports peaceful cross-Strait resolution, and avoids pressuring Taiwan into negotiations with the PRC.
- Distinction between policies: Emphasizes that the U.S. and allied "one China policies" are not the same as the PRC's "One China Principle."
- Clarification on UN Resolution 2758: States it only addressed UN representation for China, does not address Taiwan's status, and does not represent international consensus on Taiwan.
- Opposition to coercion: Rejects the PRC's use of its principle to pressure the U.S., Taiwan, and other nations into accepting its claims over Taiwan.
- Support for Taiwan: Encourages diplomatic allies to maintain ties with Taiwan, promotes Taiwan's partnerships globally, and backs its participation in international organizations (especially those not requiring statehood, like the World Health Organization or World Trade Organization).
- Practical measures: Recognizes Taiwan's value in areas like global health and manufacturing; supports Taiwan passport holders accessing UN facilities without PRC-issued permits; urges U.S. efforts with partners to counter PRC narratives on the resolution; and endorses other countries' actions to differentiate their policies from the PRC's principle.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution expressing the House's sense, so it introduces no legal changes or new laws. It reaffirms longstanding U.S. policies, such as the "one China policy" from the 1979 U.S.-PRC Joint Communiqué and the 1982 Six Assurances (U.S. promises to Taiwan that it would not alter its stance on Taiwan's sovereignty or mediate between Taiwan and the PRC).
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: May guide the U.S. Department of State in diplomatic communications, encouraging it to work with allies to challenge PRC interpretations of UN Resolution 2758 and promote Taiwan's inclusion in international forums.
- On citizens: Limited direct impact on U.S. citizens, but could indirectly support Taiwanese Americans or U.S. businesses with Taiwan ties by signaling stronger U.S. backing against PRC pressure.
- On international relations: Could strain U.S.-PRC ties by criticizing PRC actions (e.g., pressuring countries to cut Taiwan ties or altering UN documents); bolster U.S.-Taiwan relations and encourage allies (like Australia, UK, and EU) to adopt similar stances; highlight tensions at the UN and organizations like the WHO, potentially aiding Taiwan's participation in global issues like health crises.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Congress and executive branch: Shapes House messaging on foreign policy toward Asia.
- Taiwan: Benefits from reaffirmed U.S. support and push for international inclusion, countering isolation efforts.
- People's Republic of China: Directly challenged on its interpretations and coercive tactics.
- United Nations and international organizations: Pressured to revisit exclusionary practices toward Taiwan based on the 1971 resolution.
- U.S. allies and partners: Encouraged to resist PRC influence, including countries like those in Central America or Pacific islands that have recently severed Taiwan ties.
- Global community: Affects nations engaging with Taiwan on trade, health, or security, emphasizing Taiwan's role as a key partner.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces existing U.S. commitments under the Taiwan Relations Act (1979), which mandates U.S. arms sales to Taiwan for self-defense, without creating new obligations. It highlights potential misuses of UN resolutions but does not alter international law.
- Constitutional: Falls within Congress's constitutional role in foreign affairs (Article I, Section 8) to express views on treaties and international relations, though as a simple resolution, it lacks the force of law and requires Senate or presidential action for broader effect.
- Political: Signals bipartisan U.S. consensus (introduced by members from both parties) on Taiwan amid rising U.S.-China tensions; could influence public discourse and elections by framing PRC actions as aggressive, while promoting a rules-based international order without escalating to recognition of Taiwan independence.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (29)
Rep. Bera, Ami [D-CA-6], Rep. Moolenaar, John R. [R-MI-2], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Castro, Joaquin [D-TX-20], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Gimenez, Carlos A. [R-FL-28], Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11], Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1], Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3], Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Evans, Gabe [R-CO-8], Rep. Hinson, Ashley [R-IA-2], Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27], Rep. Feenstra, Randy [R-IA-4], Rep. Moore, Tim [R-NC-14], Rep. Johnson, Julie [D-TX-32], Rep. Lucas, Frank D. [R-OK-3], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Subramanyam, Suhas [D-VA-10], Rep. Sessions, Pete [R-TX-17], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. DesJarlais, Scott [R-TN-4], Rep. Luna, Anna Paulina [R-FL-13]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-21: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 2025-02-21: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 (XXVI) and the harmful conflation of China’s "One China Principle" and the United States "One China Policy". — issued 2025-02-21 — PDF (8 pages)