In an era marked by unprecedented global challenges – from pandemics to geopolitical conflicts – the principles of inclusiveness, universality, and respect for human rights enshrined in the United Nations Charter have never been more critical. Yet one glaring omission persists within the UN system: the exclusion of Taiwan, a vibrant democracy of 23 million people, from meaningful participation in the international organization. It is time for the global community to recognize Taiwan’s rightful place in the UN family, not only as a matter of principle but also in acknowledgment of its invaluable contributions to global peace, prosperity, and human welfare.
Upholding the UN Charter: inclusiveness and universality
The United Nations was founded on the bedrock principles of inclusiveness and universality, aiming to bring all nations and peoples together to foster peace, security, and development. Article 1 of the UN Charter emphasizes the promotion of international cooperation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character. To exclude Taiwan – a democratic society that meets the criteria of statehood and actively contributes to global affairs – runs counter to these foundational ideals.
Taiwan’s exclusion from the UN system is not only a denial of its people’s fundamental human rights but also a breach of the UN’s commitment to universality. The UN’s legitimacy depends on its ability to represent and serve all people without discrimination. The current practice of excluding Taiwan undermines this legitimacy and weakens the UN’s moral authority on the world stage.
Taiwan’s commitment to democratic values and contribution to international humanitarian assistance
Taiwan stands as a beacon of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific region. Its 23 million citizens enjoy fundamental freedoms of speech, assembly, and religion, upheld by a government dedicated to international human rights standards. Taiwan’s vibrant civil society and transparent governance embody the core values the United Nations strives to promote globally.
Despite its exclusion from the UN, Taiwan has consistently demonstrated its commitment to humanitarian assistance and development cooperation. It has provided aid to countries affected by natural disasters, supported health initiatives in developing nations, and contributed significantly to global efforts to combat poverty and disease.
The COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 have tested the resilience and solidarity of the international community. Taiwan responded by donating nearly 60 million masks and medical supplies worldwide, offering technical assistance, and sharing critical data and expertise in pandemic control. Since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, Taiwan has delivered over 800 tons of humanitarian and medical aid and contributed US$120 million in donations, underscoring its indispensable role in promoting global stability and human well-being. In July of this year, Taiwan continued to donate 1.11 million medical masks to the healthcare system in Kyiv, Ukraine, and to the soldiers on the frontlines resisting the Russian invasion.
This spirit of cooperation aligns closely with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 (Good health and well-being) and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the goals). Taiwan’s principled stance and active contributions support the international effort to uphold the rules-based global order.
Taiwan’s exclusion from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other UN agencies during the pandemic represented a missed opportunity for the global community to benefit from its expertise. Inclusion would strengthen global health security by facilitating timely information sharing and coordinated responses to future health emergencies. Denying Taiwan participation in the UN system effectively silences the voices of millions eager to contribute to global dialogues on human rights, sustainable development, and peace. Inclusion would not only affirm Taiwan’s rights but also enrich the UN’s deliberations with diverse perspectives grounded in democratic governance and respect for human dignity.
Taiwan’s strategic importance in global supply chains
Beyond humanitarian and political contributions, Taiwan plays a critical role in sustaining international trade and global prosperity. As one of the world’s leading economies, Taiwan is a vital hub in the global supply chain, particularly in the semiconductor industry. Taiwanese companies produce over 60% of the world’s semiconductors – essential components for everything from smartphones and automobiles to medical devices and defense systems.
The stability and security of Taiwan are therefore integral to the resilience of global supply chains and the technological advancement of countless industries worldwide. Disruptions in Taiwan’s semiconductor production would have far-reaching consequences for the global economy, affecting millions of jobs and billions of dollars in trade. Taiwan’s active participation in international economic forums and standard-setting bodies would enhance cooperation and innovation, benefiting all nations. Its exclusion from the UN system and related agencies limits the potential for collaborative solutions to shared economic and technological challenges.
Challenging the discriminatory practice against Taiwan’s inclusion
The ongoing exclusion of Taiwan from the UN system is rooted in a misinterpretation and distortion of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, adopted in 1971. This resolution recognized the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as “the only legitimate representative of China to the United Nations.” However, it does not mention Taiwan, nor does it address Taiwan’s status or its people’s rights.
The resolution was never intended to expel or silence Taiwan’s 23 million people or to deny their participation in international affairs. Yet it has been used as a pretext to exclude Taiwan from the UN and its specialized agencies, creating a discriminatory practice that contradicts the UN’s principles of fairness and universality.
This distortion has become a serious threat to the status quo across the Taiwan Strait and to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. By denying Taiwan a voice in the international community, the UN inadvertently fuels tensions and undermines efforts to promote dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes.
The path forward: a call to the UN and the international community
The time has come for the United Nations and the international community to abolish the discriminatory practice against Taiwan’s inclusion and to embrace a more inclusive and just approach consistent with the UN Charter. The UN must seek suitable ways of including Taiwan so that Taiwan can better contribute to realizing the UN SDGs. Furthermore, the UN should cease its discriminatory practice of denying Taiwan passport holders, including journalists, access to its premises for visits, meetings, and news-gathering activities based on a misinterpretation of UNGA Resolution 2758.
Taiwan’s exclusion from the United Nations system is an anachronism that undermines the very principles upon which the UN was founded. The 23 million people of Taiwan deserve recognition, respect, and the opportunity to contribute fully to the international community. Taiwan’s proven track record in democracy, human rights, humanitarian assistance, pandemic response, and global economic contributions makes its inclusion not only just but indispensable.
As the world confronts complex challenges that transcend borders, the UN must embody the spirit of inclusiveness and universality. It is time to end the discriminatory practice against Taiwan’s participation and to embrace a more equitable and effective international order – one that leaves no people behind.
The international community, led by the United Nations, has a historic opportunity and responsibility to address this injustice. It is time for the global community to unite in support of Taiwan’s rightful place within the UN system – for the benefit of Taiwan, the Indo-Pacific region, and the world as a whole.
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