How Taiwan can help the UN regain trust
Restoring confidence in the UN must begin with rejecting coercion by authoritarian states, writes Taiwan's minister of foreign affairs.
The global community finds itself at a critical juncture as authoritarian states challenge the rules-based order in an effort to reshape international norms to their own advantage. One region facing significant threat is the Indo-Pacific, where China's militarization and aggressive actions pose a growing risk to stability. Taiwan, situated in the heart of this strategic area, is particularly vulnerable to these challenges.
As a primary target of this aggression, disruptions in the Taiwan Strait would have far-reaching consequences worldwide, given its status as one of the world's busiest shipping lanes and a crucial component of international supply chains. The international community, including the UK, US, and other G7 nations, has called for the preservation of the current status quo in the Taiwan Strait.
However, China's abuse of the rules-based order extends beyond physical aggression into the institutional sphere. By deliberately misrepresenting UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, China aims to block Taiwan's participation in the UN and other international organizations. This tactic, if left unchecked, could set a dangerous precedent and potentially justify future military actions.
Taiwan's exclusion from the UN is not only detrimental to its interests but also undermines the very principles the UN seeks to uphold. Taiwan's strengths in technology, healthcare, and disaster preparedness make it a valuable partner, with its economy among the fastest growing in Asia. Moreover, Taiwan's commitment to democracy, human rights, and sustainable development presents a compelling case for its inclusion.
Dr. Khalilur Rahman, president of the UN General Assembly, has emphasized restoring trust and managing institutional transformation as key themes of his presidency. To restore confidence in the UN, it is imperative to reject coercion by authoritarian states and harness the capabilities of the international community in a productive and equitable manner.
By working together, we can enhance collective security, bolster economic and technological resilience, and fortify our capacity to withstand authoritarian pressure. Ultimately, ensuring Taiwan's meaningful participation in the UN is crucial to preserving the international order we have fought hard to achieve and maintain.
Written by urgent.news from City AM's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
