When talking about the international status of a country, the role of the United Nations cannot be ignored. As the most influential international organization in the world, the United Nations plays a key role in safeguarding world peace and promoting common development.
China, a country with a long history and splendid culture, naturally has its own unique and important role in the United Nations. After all, the Chinese often say: "A fence has three piles, and a good man has three gangs." "The development and progress of the country also require the support and cooperation of the international community.
However, for the new China, returning to the United Nations will not be an easy task. Since its founding, due to the volatile international situation, especially the impact of the Cold War, China's legitimate seat in the United Nations has always been occupied by representatives of the Taiwan region.
China's legitimate voice in the international arena has been suppressed for a long time, which has had an impact on the country's development and international image. As the saying goes, "Real gold is not afraid of fire." "After a long period of diplomatic struggle and the broad support of the international community, China finally ushered in a turning point in history in 1971.
October 25, 1971 was an epoch-making day for China. At the 26th session of the United Nations, through resolution 2758, the General Assembly decided, by an overwhelming vote, to restore all rights of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations and to recognize its representatives as the sole legitimate representatives of China to the United Nations.
As the old Chinese saying goes, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." "This vote not only marks the restoration of China's rightful place in the international community, but also opens a new chapter in China's greater role in global affairs.
China's return to the United Nations is not only an inevitable choice of history, but also the universal expectation of the international community.
China has greatly supported the purposes and principles of the United Nations and has actively participated in various activities of the United Nations, from safeguarding world peace to promoting common development, from participating in international relief efforts to proposing constructive plans for global governance.
All this highlights the inclusiveness and diversity of the United Nations, and also reflects the theme of the times of "win-win cooperation".
At the historic 1971 UN General Assembly, despite China's overwhelming support, four Asian countries – Japan, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and Cambodia – voted against it, and their opposition was not accidental, each with its own specific historical background and complex foreign policy considerations.
Japan's opposition vote can be said to be an intertwined embodiment of historical grievances and realpolitik. On the one hand, Japan and China have deep historical disputes that affect their diplomatic relations.
On the other hand, Japan was also heavily influenced by the United States at the time, and the United States' attitude towards China in the context of the Cold War was complex and volatile.
As the old Chinese saying goes, "like gathers like, people divide into groups", in international politics, the behavior of states is often influenced by their camp. To some extent, Japan's choice also reflects its position in international politics and the diplomatic environment in which it operates.
Behind the Philippine vote is a combination of territorial disputes and U.S. influence. China and the Philippines have a long-standing territorial dispute in the South China Sea, which has influenced Philippine decision-making to some extent.
In addition, the Philippines has a close military and political alliance with the United States, and this "solidarity" relationship has made the Philippines significantly influenced by the United States in its China policy. As the saying goes, "those who are close to Zhu are red, and those who are close to ink are black", and the Philippines' opposition vote is also largely a kind of echo of the position of its ally, the United States.
Saudi Arabia's opposition is more a strategic choice in the context of the Cold War. At that time, global politics was dominated by the confrontation of the Cold War, and Saudi Arabia, as a member of the Western camp, naturally influenced its foreign policy by the confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union.
Against this backdrop, Saudi Arabia's opposition vote also reflects its choice of position in international politics, not so much a direct opposition to China, but a response to the international political environment at the time.
Cambodia's opposition vote has to do with Lon Nol's coup and attitude toward China. At that time, Cambodia experienced a coup d'état in Lon Nol, and the legitimacy and stability of its regime were questioned at home and abroad.
Against this turbulent backdrop, Cambodia's foreign policy appears complex and volatile. Coupled with misgivings and distrust of China, Cambodia's no-vote is likely to be a cautious reflection of internal political instability and foreign relations.
China's return to the United Nations in 1971 was not only widely recognized by the international community, but also an important milestone in China's international standing.
The announcement of the voting results is like a threshold crossed in the world, and China has become a player to be reckoned with on the world stage. This small change indicates a major change in the international landscape.
Prior to this, China, although geographically a giant, had long been absent from international policymaking. This decision of the United Nations not only provides a platform for China to display its national image and policy propositions, but also provides the possibility for China to exert influence in subsequent international affairs.
China's voice is no longer distant and vague, but has become clear and weighty. For those who voted against it, China's return may mean more diplomatic mediation and political calculations, but for most countries in the world, it is an opportunity to re-recognize and embrace emerging powers.
China's role and development in the United Nations are also remarkable. China has not only actively participated in various issues of the United Nations, but has also played an important role in many key issues.
From poverty reduction to environmental protection, from peacekeeping operations to economic development, China is trying to make its contribution. As the saying goes, "if you don't go into the tiger's den, you will get the tiger", and China's active participation is also an important way for China to gain international influence and improve its international image.
Over time, the relationship between those countries that voted against China has also changed. The conflict between history and realpolitik is gradually giving way to pragmatic cooperation and dialogue.
These changes once again prove that "there are no permanent friends or enemies between nations, only eternal interests". This has been reinforced by China's rise and its role in the United Nations, providing a new paradigm for multilateral development in international relations.
Overall, China's return to the United Nations is not only a turning point in China's diplomatic history, but also an important chapter in world history.
This incident not only changed the international community's perception of China, but also paved the way for China to play a greater role in international affairs.
As the ancients said, "Mount Tai does not allow the soil, so it can become great", China's persistence and efforts in the international arena have finally achieved its important position in the international community.