The urgent call for the United Nations (UN) to include Taiwan in its system is more pressing than ever. Taiwan, recognized as a responsible participant in global supply chains and a contributor to UN objectives, continues to face ongoing aggression from the People’s Republic of China (PRC). It is crucial for the UN to re-evaluate its unfounded reasons for excluding Taiwan.
Taiwan plays a pivotal role in the global economy, producing over 90 percent of high-end semiconductors and becoming a vital contributor to the manufacturing of high-performance servers essential for AI Data Centers. Nvidia’s CEO, Jensen Huang, has highlighted Taiwan’s significance by coining the term “T-AI-WAN,” showcasing Taiwan’s influence in building global AI infrastructure. Additionally, the Taiwan Strait is a key maritime route, with more than half of the world’s trade passing through this international waterway.
Despite Taiwan’s substantial contributions, the UN has succumbed to PRC pressure, misinterpreting UN General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758, and mistakenly endorsing Beijing’s “One China Principle.” This stance unjustly denies Taiwan its right to engage in UN-related agencies like WHO, ICAO, ICC, and UNFCCC, while perpetuating the erroneous perception that Taiwan is part of the PRC.
A deeper examination of Resolution 2758 reveals no reference to Taiwan or its political status, nor does it legally establish PRC sovereignty over Taiwan or the “One China Principle.” Hence, there exists no legal prohibition preventing Taiwan’s participation in the UN or other international organizations.
This position is echoed in a model resolution passed by the International Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), comprising parliamentarians from 38 nations and the EU, and a recent motion by the Australian Senate that condemned Beijing’s misrepresentation of Resolution 2758. Furthermore, Taiwan has garnered support from various US officials and global leaders, reinforcing the importance of stability in the Taiwan Strait during G7, EU, NATO, and ASEAN discussions.
The implications of China’s expansionist policies and the false narrative of the “One China Principle” extend beyond Taiwan, as evidenced by the continued territorial claims and influence exerted by the China Coast Guard in the South China Sea. In stark contrast, Taiwan remains a reliable partner and actively contributes to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The upcoming 79th UN General Assembly (#UNGA79) in September will provide a platform for nations to discuss security, sustainable development, and strategies for building a robust global community. Taiwan hopes that the UN will recognize the significant value it brings to these critical discussions, particularly regarding peace in the Taiwan Strait and its contributions to global prosperity.
As Taiwan collaborates with partner nations to strengthen global supply chains through its robust semiconductor industry and growing AI sector, it remains committed to fostering a better future. To achieve genuine progress in global security and advancement, the inclusion of Taiwan in the UN system is imperative.