Taipei, Sept 11:
Taiwan Foreign Minister Dr Lin Chia-lung has called on the international community to support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations, arguing that its exclusion weakens efforts to build a more inclusive and credible rules-based international order.
In an opinion article, Lin said the international order was facing growing pressure from authoritarian states and warned that principles such as the peaceful settlement of disputes and the prohibition of the threat or use of force were being challenged. He said Taiwan would continue to uphold the status quo and contribute to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Lin highlighted the strategic importance of the Taiwan Strait, describing it as a major shipping route and an important artery for global supply chains. He also accused China of using military intimidation, cyber intrusions and economic pressure to alter existing regional norms. China rejects Taiwan’s sovereignty claims and maintains that Taiwan is part of China.
A major focus of Lin’s argument was UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, adopted in 1971. He argued that the resolution dealt with China’s representation at the UN and did not explicitly mention Taiwan or determine its political status. China, however, maintains that the resolution settled the issue of China’s representation, including Taiwan, at the UN.
Lin said Taiwan, despite being excluded from the UN, could contribute in areas including advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, disaster preparedness and public health. He cited Taiwan’s cooperation with countries including Paraguay, Eswatini and Palau on healthcare, energy security and technology-driven development projects.
Referring to the upcoming 81st UN General Assembly, Lin said President-elect Khalilur Rahman had identified restoring trust and institutional transformation as key priorities. He argued that restoring confidence in the UN should include treating members of the international community fairly and ensuring that constructive contributors are not excluded.
Lin called for greater international support for Taiwan’s participation in the UN system, saying such engagement would strengthen collective security, economic and technological resilience, and the ability of democracies to withstand authoritarian pressure.