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Chinese Taipei's right to statehood 'far more robust' than Palestine: Johnson

Thursday, 07 August 2025 10:01 PM [ Last Update: Thursday, 07 August 2025 10:01 PM ]

Former British prime minister Boris Johnson speaks at the opening ceremony of the Ketagalan Forum in Taipei on August 5, 2025. (Photo by Taipei Times)

Former British prime minister Boris Johnson has sparked outrage by stating that Taiwan's claim to statehood is “far more robust” than that of Palestine.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday at the annual Ketagalan Forum in Taipei, Johnson drew troubling parallels between the statehood claims of Taiwan and Palestine, dismissing the UK’s historical responsibility for Palestinian statelessness and misrepresenting norms surrounding international recognition of states.

The disgraced politician, who was forced to resign in July 2022 amid numerous scandals that led to mass resignations in the Conservative government, is opposed to the recognition of Palestinian statehood.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to formally recognize the State of Palestine, along with other countries, at the upcoming session of the United Nations General Assembly in September. This move aims to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza amid the ongoing genocide.

EU’s Borrell: All bloc member states should find ‘common position’ on Palestinian statehood recognition

The EU diplomacy chief has urged the 27-member bloc to adopt a ‘common position’ on recognizing the Palestinian state.

In an op-ed published in British media, Johnson criticized the UK government’s plans to recognize the State of Palestine as “craven and pathetic,” falsely asserting that Palestine lacks the institutional and territorial characteristics necessary for statehood.

In contrast, Johnson claimed, "Taiwan has a recognized government… boundaries that they control… a proper democratic system – none of which you could say, with all due respect, about Palestine.”

However, experts have rejected Johnson’s remarks, stating that they contradict the legal, historical, and diplomatic reality of Palestine's status.

As of August 2025, Palestine is recognized by nearly 140 countries, including the majority of UN member states and a significant number of nations in the Global South.

In comparison, Taiwan is recognized by only a dozen countries, while Beijing considers it an inseparable part of mainland China.

Additionally, the overwhelming majority of the international community supports the "One-China" policy, affirming Beijing's right to defend its claims to national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

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Honduras opened its embassy in Beijing after establishing formal diplomatic relations in March, according to Chinese state media.

Even the US, Chinese Taipei's main backer, which supplies the wayward island with weapons and munitions, does not recognize Taiwan as a country and officially supports the "One China" policy.

The US and its Western allies, the UK included, support Chinese Taipei to antagonize Beijing by siding with the island's secessionists, engaging in frequent naval maneuvers around the island.

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