High school graduates; Dept. of Workforce Dev. & Advancement to study optional service year program.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dan Helmer and 2 co-sponsors

Maryland urges the UN and US to reject using UN 2758 to bar Taiwan, supporting Taiwan’s participation in international bodies that do not require statehood.

Left in Rules

Summary — HJ 7 (2025)

Title: Opposition to the People’s Republic of China’s Misuse of United Nations Resolution 2758 to Delegitimize Taiwan
Sponsors: Delegates Szeliga and Nawrocki (primary)
Classification: House Joint Resolution (non‑binding expression of policy)
Introduced: January 17, 2025
Status: Enacted by the General Assembly; transmitted/filed with Secretary of State May 6, 2025

Purpose

HJ 7 formally expresses the Maryland General Assembly’s opposition to what it characterizes as the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) misuse of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 (adopted October 25, 1971) to exclude or delegitimize Taiwan (the Republic of China) from participation in UN bodies and related international forums. The resolution urges the UN and U.S. federal government to resist that misuse and to protect Taiwan’s meaningful participation where statehood is not a membership requirement.

Key provisions / substantive points

States that Resolution 2758 addressed representation in the UN seat for “China” and was not intended to determine Taiwan’s ultimate political status.

Condemns PRC conflation of Resolution 2758 with the PRC’s “One China Principle” (OCP) and asserts that 2758 does not endorse the OCP.

Calls on the United Nations to:

Oppose misuse of Resolution 2758 to deny Taiwan participation in UN institutions.
Direct the UN Secretariat to remain neutral and stop citing Resolution 2758 to bar Taiwanese nationals and media from UN buildings, events, or coverage.

Reaffirms that the U.S. One China Policy differs from the PRC’s OCP, that the U.S. does not take a position on Taiwan’s sovereignty, and that peaceful resolution of cross‑Strait issues is in U.S. interest.

Supports Taiwan’s membership or participation in international organizations that do not require statehood and encourages broader international engagement for Taiwan.

Urges the U.S. government to work with partners to counter PRC narratives about Resolution 2758 and supports countries maintaining distinct policies from the PRC’s OCP.

Who is affected

Direct legal effect: none (expression of the Maryland General Assembly’s position).

Intended targets / audience: United Nations bodies and Secretariat, U.S. federal government, international partners, and public opinion.

Policy implications: symbolic support for Taiwan’s inclusion in multilateral forums; intended to influence federal and international practice regarding Taiwan’s participation.

Procedural timeline

Introduced: Jan 17, 2025.

House committee actions and floor: January–February 2025; passed House Feb 5, 2025.

Referred to and considered by Senate committees Feb–Apr 2025; Senate concurred Apr 22, 2025.

Enrolling and final steps: Returned from enrolling Apr 24; signed by Speaker May 2; filed with Secretary of State May 6, 2025. (Also recorded as “Signed by President” May 6 — reflects legislative officers’ signatures.)

Context / Notes

The resolution is declaratory and nonbinding; it communicates Maryland’s position and urges action by international and federal entities rather than changing State law.

Cites historical background (Taiwan as an original UN member in 1945; Resolution 2758 in 1971) and recent diplomatic disputes over Taiwan’s participation in agencies such as ICAO and Interpol.

Bill