It is time for the UN to include Taiwan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) wrote in an opinion piece published on Wednesday that emphasized Taiwan’s contributions to global prosperity, the defense of democracy and the deterrence of authoritarian expansion.
The article, titled “Taiwan must be included in the UN,” was published on Wednesday by Bangor Daily News, a US newspaper based in Maine.
Taiwan has contributed greatly to global development and prosperity, notably through its “robust economy and semiconductor ecosystem,” and defense of democratic values, Lin said.
Photo: Taipei Times file
“As the 21st-largest economy, Taiwan leads in artificial intelligence and semiconductors, producing more than 60% of the world's chips and 90% of its most advanced ones,” Lin said.
In its defense of democracy, it has partnered with democracies to help them resist authoritarian influence, launched an “economic diplomacy strategy” to build non-red supply chains and advanced the Democratic Allies Prosperity Project, he said.
Taiwan “is a key player and indispensable partner in the Indo-Pacific,” defending democracy and deterring authoritarian expansion in the first island chain, Lin said.
The nation is committed to raising its defense spending and does not seek or provoke conflict with China, he said, urging Beijing to “resume dialogue on the basis of parity and dignity.”
Despite its global contributions, Taiwan has been excluded from the UN and the international community due to China’s misrepresentation of UN Resolution 2758, Lin said.
China has falsely linked the resolution with its “one China” principle to block Taiwan’s participation, when it does not mention Taiwan or give the People’s Republic of China the right to represent Taiwan in the UN, he said.
“Nevertheless, the UN has yielded to China's political pressure,” he added.
Countries around the world repeatedly emphasize the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, including at the G7 summit, Lin said.
In addition, “the executive and legislative branches of numerous nations have clarified that Resolution 2758 neither determines Taiwan’s status nor precludes its participation in international organizations, including the UN,” he said.
As the UN celebrates its 80th anniversary, it is time for it to fulfill its vision of “leaving no one behind” by including Taiwan, Lin said.
Lin called on the international community to recognize Taiwan’s rightful place and global contributions, saying that “only by working together can we create a better and brighter future for the Indo-Pacific and the world.”
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