Taiwan will push UN participation

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) announced that Taiwan will actively push UN participation campaign on August 23, 2019.  The Deputy Foreign Minister Kelly Wu-chaio Hsieh detailed the international campaign aimed at giving the 23 million people of Taiwan a voice in the activities, meetings and mechanisms of the United Nation.  This is the multichannel international campaign.   According to the MOFA, several Taiwan’s diplomatic allies will present a letter to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calling on him to address Taiwan’s exclusion from the world body on the basis of fairness, justice and inclusiveness, as well as its pledge to serve all peoples around the world.  The 74^th session of the UN General Assembly begins September 17, while the UN General Debate running from Sept. 24 to Sept. 30.  In 1971, Taiwan was expelled from UN.  The seat was given to the People’s Republic of China (PROC).  Taiwan’s government has been pushing to join the UN every year since 1993.  Taiwan’s attempt was unsuccessful due to strong opposition from PROC.   This year’s strategy will be different from the past.  In addition to writing letter to the Secretary-General, Taiwan’s allies will speak up for it at the assembly; holding a series of forums on vital issues, such as sustainable development, universal healthcare and youth empowerment in New York; and a march emphasizing the important of Taiwan’s UN participation.   Last year Taiwan’s foreign minister Joseph Wu said “Taiwan deserves to have a role in the United Nations, just as any other countries in the world” in an interview.  Every year, China used its clout to block Taiwan’s participation in the United Nations as well as affiliated organizations.  Over the last two years, China has stepped up the pressure to Taiwan.     Taiwan really needs the help from more peace-loving countries to fight back China’s blocking.