THE 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly takes place from 13 to 27 September 2022 in New York City under the theme “A watershed moment: transformative solutions to interlocking challenges.” As the world’s most important forum of global cooperation began, the global community is confronting a number of unprecedented crises: from the ongoing COVID-19 variants and stalled efforts on climate change, to supply chain disruptions and China’s increasing rhetorical and military intimidation of Taiwan. At this juncture, it is worth reminding these leaders that all people — including the people of Taiwan — deserve to have their voices heard and efforts included for the global good.
A beacon of democracy in Asia and a force for good in the world, Taiwan is a reliable and valuable partner and Taiwan is committed to implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and combating climate change with a blueprint for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. As the world’s 22nd largest economy in terms of GDP and a major semiconductor manufacturer, Taiwan plays a key role in global supply chains. And as a defender of democracy, Taiwan is working to safeguard the status quo and support the rules-based international order.
By deliberately conflating its “One China” principle with the UNGA Resolution 2758 — the resolution that determined who represents “China” in the organization some 50 years ago — Beijing is misleading the world by spreading the fallacy that Taiwan is part of the PRC. Contrary to these false claims, the resolution does not take a position on Taiwan, nor does it include the word “Taiwan.” The long-term status quo is, the ROC (Taiwan) and the PRC are separate jurisdictions, with neither subordinate to the other. The people of Taiwan can only be represented in the international community by their free and democratically elected government.
Taiwan will resolutely defend its sovereignty and security. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will also continue to exercise restraint in response to China’s provocations, and work together with like-minded countries, including the Philippines, to uphold peace and stability in the region.
As close neighbors and maritime nations, Taiwan and the Philippines uphold the values of freedom, democracy and the rules-based international order. Taiwan and the Philippines enjoy longtime cordial people to people relations. We sincerely hope that our Filipino brothers and sisters could continue to voice their support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the UN system.
In promoting post-pandemic recovery and reconnecting the world, now is the best time for UN to reconnect with Taiwan. Taiwan aspires to contribute. The 23.5 million resilient Taiwanese people surely should be included for the global good.
Peiyung HsuRepresentative Taipei Economicand Cultural Office in the Philippines
