Tien, Chung-kwang
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
November 23, 2024
(As Prepared for Delivery)
Ladies and gentlemen:
Good morning!
On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I am pleased to join you for the Chip in with Taiwan—2024 International Organizations Day.
Today we have with us the representatives of roughly two dozen government agencies and organizations that, taken together, demonstrate a broad cross-section of Taiwan’s unique strengths.
We sincerely thank all the ministries and organizations for their invaluable support and participation in this event. The booths showcase a wide range of themes, including public health, trade and economy, agriculture and fisheries, sustainability and conservation, digital development, and democratic governance. Together, they not only enrich the event with their diversity but also embody Taiwan’s vibrant and dynamic spirit.
Indeed, this event highlights the joint effort made by our government and civil society to contribute to the global community. Our approach, under the rubric of integrated diplomacy, means that every person can be a diplomat and every ministry a foreign ministry.
The phrase “chip in with Taiwan” underscores Taiwan’s central role in the global semiconductor industry as well as our desire to work more closely with the international community to build a better future. With our economic strength, Taiwan is well poised to make contributions and demonstrate that we are not only a technology leader but also a force for good.
Taiwan is committed to lending its expertise to help resolve global problems in such areas as public health, climate change, and sustainable development. Unfortunately, China’s unwarranted and unjustifiable obstruction has curtailed Taiwan’s involvement in international affairs. As a result, Taiwan participates formally in only 74 intergovernmental organizations, or less than one percent of those presently active.
China has misled the United Nations into accepting its so-called “one China principle” by distorting the meaning of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758. The result has been Taiwan’s exclusion from the UN system. However, the resolution neither mentions Taiwan nor authorizes the People’s Republic of China to represent Taiwan in the UN system. Exclusion has prevented Taiwan from sharing its expertise and capabilities, hindering efforts to enhance the security and well-being of people everywhere.
I would like to express my deep appreciation to our diplomatic allies and like-minded partners for voicing concern over how the resolution has been misused. For example, the representatives of our 10 diplomatic allies wrote to UN Secretary-General António Guterres to refute the mischaracterization of the resolution last September.
Equally important, US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, and EU Commissioner Nicolas Schmit have all publicly stated that UNGA Resolution 2758 does not address Taiwan’s representation or constitute an endorsement of China’s “one China principle.”
Moreover, the legislatures of Australia, the Netherlands, and Canada, as well as the European Parliament and the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, have recently passed resolutions in opposition to China’s misrepresentation. For this, they all have our heartfelt thanks.
Taiwan’s expertise and commitment to shared global goals are thus widely recognized. In addition to the longtime staunch support of our diplomatic allies, US President Joe Biden, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, the G7 Foreign Ministers and EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Josep Borrell have all stressed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and their support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations.
We are grateful for this burgeoning show of international backing. This strengthens our commitment to contributing further to global challenges. Taiwan can help, and we are ready to lead in areas like public health, climate change, and sustainable development. Together with our global partners, we look forward to making a difference.
In closing, thank you for your support. I hope you all enjoy today’s event.
Thank you.