“We continue to work with like-minded countries to help achieve this goal,” he said.
Hodges, however, reiterated that, consistent with the US’ “one China” policy, Washington does not support Taiwan’s membership in organizations that require statehood, such as the UN.
In a meeting with reporters yesterday, Ma said his administration had tried a different approach this year because of the two referendums that were held in conjunction with the presidential election in March on seeking UN membership, both of which failed.
The other reason was that the public has great expectations about Taiwan participating in the international body, he said.
“We are sorry to see our proposal not listed on the agenda,” he said. “We will not give up, no matter whether the effort is made through bilateral or multilateral means.”
When asked by the Taipei Times whose side time is on, given that Beijing appears cool about Taiwan’s yearning for a greater international presence, Ma said: “It depends on how we approach the issue. Time will be on our side if we do it right.”
Ma emphasized that Taiwan’s diplomatic allies and non-allied countries have praised the approach taken this year as “practical.”
It is only detrimental to cross-strait relations if Taiwan continues to be isolated in the international arena, he said.
“I hope both sides can be more creative in formulating a strategy that is acceptable to us both in terms of our international presence so the desire of the Taiwanese people to play a part in the international community can be fulfilled,” he said.
Additional reporting by CNA
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