The European Union has come out in support of Taiwan joining international organizations, a boost for Taipei and a rebuff to Beijing's legal argument.

• The EU says UN Resolution 2758 — the 1971 vote that gave China's seat to Beijing — says nothing about Taiwan at all.
• Taiwan should be allowed to take part in international bodies where the rules allow it, especially where its expertise adds something.
• The statement came as the 81st UN General Assembly meets in New York and Taiwan's allies pressed the case in letters to the UN.
• Brussels also repeated that it opposes any attempt to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait by force or pressure.
• The EU called on all sides to hold back from escalation and settle differences through talks across the strait.

Outlook: Beijing is likely to push back hard, and Taiwan's bid for a seat at UN-linked bodies still faces a Chinese veto.