22nd September 2023 – (United Nations) During the 78th annual General Assembly of the United Nations (U.N.) held in New York on Wednesday, the president of the Marshall Islands and the king of Eswatini, both diplomatic allies of Taiwan, appealed to the international community to allow Taiwan to join the organisation.
David Kabua, the president of the Marshall Islands, strongly criticised China’s recent military actions in the Taiwan Strait and expressed disappointment with the U.N.’s continued exclusion of Taiwan. King Mswati III of Eswatini emphasized that the U.N. should ensure that no nation is left behind and advocated for Taiwan’s inclusion in the U.N. system.
President Kabua, in his address, criticized the U.N. Secretariat for often relying on politically motivated interpretations of Resolution 2758. Against the backdrop of regional tensions, he asserted that the international community cannot afford to remain silent on the issue of Taiwan.
Kabua highlighted Taiwan as a vibrant democracy and a responsible and contributing member of the global family. He argued that the circle of unity within the United Nations remains incomplete without Taiwan and its people. He urged the U.N. to revert to its original policy of accepting all widely recognized passports for basic public access to the organization.
Both President Kabua and King Mswati emphasised the significance of sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the urgent need to address climate change. They asserted that Taiwan can play a crucial role in tackling these global challenges. Kabua referred to Taiwan as an “important partner” in achieving the SDGs, while Mswati described Taiwan’s inclusion in the U.N. as an “essential next step” during his speech.
The calls for Taiwan’s inclusion in the United Nations reflect the support and recognition that Taiwan has received from its diplomatic allies. Despite China’s opposition, Taiwan has established meaningful partnerships and made significant contributions to various international issues, including public health, humanitarian aid, and environmental protection.
China considers Taiwan a part of its territory and has consistently opposed any attempts by Taiwan to participate in international organisations. China’s influence within the United Nations has prevented Taiwan from being granted membership or observer status, leaving it excluded from important global discussions and decision-making processes.
However, Taiwan has actively engaged with the international community and seeks to contribute its expertise and resources to global initiatives. It has developed extensive partnerships and cooperation agreements with nations around the world, showcasing its commitment to being a responsible global actor.