The United Nations rejected July 23 Taiwan's application to become a member of the world body, citing a 1971 resolution that switched recognition from Taipei to Beijing as China's sole lawful representative to the world body. Taiwan's government held the U.N. seat until 1971. Its UN seat was transferred to the People's Republic of China.
On July 19, Taiwan applied to join the United Nations as Taiwan -- a departure from 14 previous post-1971 applications as the Republic of China. The bid reflected the policies of President Chen Shui-bian, who favors making the island's de facto independence permanent. Chen last month announced plans for a referendum that would support the government's bid to enter the U.N. (Source: International Herald Tribune, Jul 23, 2007).