September 6, 2022
Press Release No. 235
The 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is scheduled to commence at the UN Headquarters in New York on September 13, with the General Debate to be held from September 20 to 26. The theme for this year’s UN General Assembly and General Debate is “A watershed moment: transformative solutions to interlocking challenges.” The theme reflects the formidable challenges facing the international community, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, energy and food crises, climate change, and threats to global supply chains. At this critical moment in history, nations across the globe must work together in order to build a more sustainable and resilient world.
Recently China has deliberately escalated its military intimidation against Taiwan and attempted to unilaterally alter the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. This has violated the prohibition on the use of force and the principle of settling disputes by peaceful means as set forth in the UN Charter. China’s actions have sparked grave concern among the international community. On August 23, Permanent Representatives to the UN of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies issued a joint statement voicing support for Taiwan and advocating peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has repeatedly emphasized that it will staunchly safeguard its national sovereignty and security, exercise restraint, and refrain from instigating disputes. At the same time, Taiwan will not back down. Instead, it will continue to steadily promote international exchanges and linkages. This year, the government will keep employing steadfast and pragmatic approaches to actively seek participation in the UN.
For this year’s UN campaign, the government will again request that diplomatic allies speak up for Taiwan during the UN General Debate. It will also ask them to submit a letter to UN Secretary-General Antόnio Guterres to urge him to give due attention to the persistent and inappropriate exclusion of Taiwan’s 23 million people from the UN system, uphold the universal values of human rights that are one of the founding pillars of the UN, and realize the UN vision that no one be left behind. Taiwan should be able to join forces with all countries of the world in facing global challenges.
China has long pressured the UN system to adopt an expansive and an erroneous interpretation of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758. This has been the main reason for Taiwan’s inappropriate exclusion from the UN system. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) once again stresses that the resolution does not authorize the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to represent Taiwan in the UN system and that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the PRC is subordinate to the other. The UN should take action to rectify its wrongful practice of denying Taiwan nationals and journalists access to UN premises to partake in tours, attend meetings and activities, and engage in newsgathering. The UN should ensure that Taiwan is afforded equal rights and due dignity to participate in meetings, mechanisms, and activities related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to make contributions.
To foster better understanding of Taiwan’s appeals throughout the international community, Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaushieh Joseph Wu published an op-ed in prominent international mainstream media, urging countries to duly regard and condemn China’s military provocations and irresponsible actions that have undermined peace and stability. Reiterating that Taiwan is a reliable and indispensable partner, he also appealed to the international community to accept Taiwan’s participation in responding to the interconnected challenges facing the world.
MOFA has designed a new graphic for this year’s campaign to highlight Taiwan’s continued efforts to seek meaningful participation in the UN and cooperate with other nations in the pursuit of global peace and stability. It has also produced a short film, entitled Taiwan’s Helping Hand, showcasing Taiwan’s diverse culture, democracy, freedom, and concrete contributions to the international community.
To enhance understanding of Taiwan’s accomplishments in relevant fields among the UN and the global village, the government will distribute visual promotional materials and host a series of side events in New York during the UNGA, focusing on sustainable development and innovation. The events will cover Taiwan’s second voluntary national review on its implementation of the SDGs, which will be published soon, and share Taiwan’s experiences in realizing the SDGs. In addition, a cross-party delegation of legislators will travel to New York to provide guidance. Members of the overseas compatriot community will also organize activities to support Taiwan’s bid and help convey to the international community the message that the people of Taiwan aspire to participate in the UN.
MOFA sincerely thanks diplomatic allies, friendly countries, and overseas compatriot communities for their long-standing support and assistance regarding Taiwan’s efforts to expand its international participation. MOFA is also grateful for the staunch international support for Taiwan’s democratic values and for security across the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan again calls on the UN to cherish the efforts that Taiwan has made as a responsible member of the international community and to bring Taiwan into its fold. (E)