This Day in History: PR China Admitted into the United Nations

By Tye Donaldson, October 25, 2021

On October 25, 1971, the People's Republic of China was admitted into the UN. The vote was split 76 in favor, 35 opposed and 17 abstentions.

PRC granted admission into the UN
PRC representatives Qiao Guanhua and Huang Hua after hearing the People's Republic of China would be admitted into the UN on October 25, 1971. Image via Finding Dulciea

The United Nations was founded in 1945, and at that time the Republic of China (ROC) was a member of the UN. Four years later, in 1949, the ROC's government was expelled from the Chinese mainland. They reestablished their presence on the island of Taiwan.

Though it took some time, by 1971 the PRC had finally gained enough support globally to be admitted into the UN Security Council as China's representative, replacing the ROC. Below, a look at which countries voted for and against China's spot in the UN.

PRC Admitted into the UN
Image via Wikimedia Commons

The United States wanted the ROC to keep their spot while the PRC was admitted, but their proposal was ultimately denied. The ROC has since tried multiple times to regain acceptance into the UN, but has been unsuccessful.

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[Top image via UN.org]