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Austria, Neutrality, and the Status of Taiwan
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Speaker：James Lee (Assistant Research Fellow, Institute of European and American Studies, Academia Sinica)
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Moderator：Yung-Djong Shaw (Assistant Research Fellow, Institute of European and American Studies, Academia Sinica)
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Time：13-1-2026 (Tue) 11:30
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Venue: 1F, Conference Room, Institute of European and American Studies, Academia Sinica
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Abstract：This presentation examines how Austria formulated its position on the status of Taiwan at the critical juncture of the early 1970s. Based on primary source evidence from the Austrian State Archives in Vienna, I examine Austrian policy at the intersection of national interests, transatlantic relations, and European foreign relations. I argue that the Austrian position can best be characterized as “no position,” consistent with its general policy of neutrality: not recognizing Beijing’s claim to Taiwan, while also not endorsing the British and American position on the undetermined sovereignty of Taiwan. Despite the absence of a formal legal position, Austria’s stance on Taiwan is still highly significant for the contemporary interpretation of UNGA 2758 in light of the clarifying statement (Votumserklärung) that the Austrian Delegation issued regarding the meaning of its vote in 1971.