by Alexander Tah-ray Yui*
Over the past years, the world has been confronted with many challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic crisis has been a harsh test on human wisdom and resilience. Meanwhile, many innocent lives and dreams were lost as the world witnessed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Taiwan, a democracy that is home to over 23 million people and the beacon of democracy in Asia, also faces unceasing threats from China’s military provocations.
Solidarity is the only way to curb the PRC’s expansionist ambitions
Since the mid-20th century, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has never hidden its intention to assert control of Taiwan and has consistently failed to renounce the use of force, despite never having ruled Taiwan. Facing constant threats from China for decades, the people of Taiwan have demonstrated their resilience and courage in defending the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The people of Taiwan take pride in demonstrating their dedication to enhancing Taiwan’s democracy, fostering strong ties of solidarity with regional allies and like-minded international partners, and leading lives of dignity. Nevertheless, as China’s presence is felt in every corner in the world, and as its economic and military influence on the world stage grows stronger, China is becoming increasingly aggressive in displaying coercive measures in the Taiwan Strait, attempting to undermine the democratic way of life that Taiwanese people have enjoyed.
The PRC’s expansionist policies, however, do not stop Taiwan’s continued contributions to the world. When Russia initiated its attack on Ukraine, Taiwan expressed solidarity with Ukraine. Approximately half of the world’s commercial container traffic passes through the Taiwan Strait each day. Moreover, Taiwan is a major producer of semiconductors, playing a key role in global supply chains. Therefore, maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is of paramount importance for global interests. The recent G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, held on 18 September in New York, reiterated the significance of cross-strait peace and stability as indispensable to global security and prosperity.
Let the opportunity arise
Despite Taiwan’s persistent efforts to gain inclusion in the international community, it has been marginalized due to China’s interference. As the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, focusing on the theme of “rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity,” kicked off in New York, Taiwan remains excluded from the UN due to China’s distorted interpretation of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758. The resolution does not state that Taiwan is a part of the PRC nor does it grant the right to represent the people of Taiwan in the UN and its specialized agencies. The 1971 resolution coerces the international body’s bureaucracy to reject Taiwan, resulting in the exclusion of Taiwanese passport holders from entering any UN facilities.
When asked by reporters about Taiwan’s exclusion from the UN, Amina J. Mohammed, the UN’s second-highest-ranking official, supported the idea that Taiwan’s exclusion should end and stated that “Every person matters, whether it’s Taiwan or others.”
A secure Taiwan is a secure Europe
Yes, everyone matters. While the world’s democracies have admired Ukraine’s incredible bravery and resilience against Russia’s invasion, we must not overlook the fact that Taiwanese democracy is also under threat. While we all agree that any wars must be avoided in the world, determining the best way to do so requires inclusion, dialogue and most of all, unity.
As a truly global institution, the UN can serve as a champion of progress. Therefore, Taiwan calls on the UN to uphold its principle of leaving no one behind. Allowing Taiwan to meaningfully participate in the UN system would greatly benefit the world’s efforts to address pressing global issues. It is only by uniting with Taiwan rather than excluding it from any UN facilities can the world truly be united for peace. Only by including Taiwan can it fully embody the essence of peace, unity and security. A secure Taiwan is a secure Europe, and a secure world.
*Ambassador of Taiwan to the EU
By: N. Peter Kramer
