https://hnonline.sk/focus/zahranicie/96040940-zastupca-taiwanu-pre-hn-nie-je-fer-ze-sa-nemozeme-podielat-na-tvorbe-globalnych-pravidielHN NEWS 27.09.2022
Pavel Novotný
It is not fair that we do not participate in the creation of global rules
Interview: Head of the Taipei representative office in Bratislava David Nan - Yang Lee for HN.
- Why does Taiwan seek wider recognition in the world and entry into global institutions?
As a responsible member of the world community, Taiwan is willing and able to take an active role in international affairs. On the one hand, this strengthens its connection with the global community and increases Taiwan's international contribution. On the other hand, it represents the protection of our international rights and interests and expands our development space and visibility in the world. Therefore, for us, such participation is not only a right, but also an obligation.
- In which organizations or institutions are you represented today?
We are currently a full member of 42 intergovernmental international organizations, such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) or the Asia-Pacific Economic Organization (APEC). Dovedna Taiwan is a member of two thousand non-governmental organizations. We have observer status in 25 intergovernmental organizations.
- Why is it so important for you to have a chair in these institutions?
The global community is confronted with a number of unprecedented crises - from new variants of the covid-19 virus to the lack of progress in efforts to mitigate climate change to the disruption of supply chains or the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine. Now more than ever, China threatens regional peace and stability with its intimidating rhetoric and military actions. All this will have an impact on the security and well-being of the world. Taiwan is willing and able to engage in joint efforts to address these challenges for the global good.
- How can you contribute to solving the mentioned problems?
As a member of international organizations, we can help through advanced technologies and an active civil society. Unfortunately, we are not members of the most important institutions, which prevents us from providing assistance on a wider scale. This creates a situation where international organizations create rules that we have to follow, but in the creation of which we cannot participate. It is unfair as we cannot raise our concerns or present our suggestions. It is also completely contrary to the principle of universality of the UN system. Our engagement in this area is therefore vital to us.
- Is it even realistic for Taiwan to gain full membership in the UN?
Where is will there is way. The world is changing. The difficulty we now face is that China continues to misinterpret Resolution 2758, which was passed by the UN General Assembly in 1971. It falsely associates it with the so-called "one China principle". In reality, however, the Republic of China, or Taiwan, nor the People's Republic of China are not subordinate to each other. The mentioned resolution only concerned the representation of China in the UN. It did not authorize the PRC to represent Taiwan in the UN system, nor did it specify that Taiwan is part of China.
“Where is will there is way. The world is changing.“
- Despite this, you are actively involved in UN-led solutions...
Yes. And we fully agree with the UN when it talks about joint solutions and solidarity in dealing with interconnected crises. Taiwan is more than willing to be part of such joint solutions – 23.5 million Taiwanese should certainly not be excluded from such an important global effort. In response to the help we provide to the world in solving global challenges, more and more like-minded countries support our inclusion in international structures.
- Which players support you in this endeavour?
As the world's 22nd largest economy in terms of GDP, an important player in high-tech industries and a center of tourism, culture and education, Taiwan can be considered a reliable partner with the same values and mindset by the European Union, the USA and other democratic partners. Therefore, the United States, Great Britain and the EU reiterated their support for Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations. The relevant resolution was approved by the European Parliament by an overwhelming majority on July 6 of this year. Similar support was also expressed by the countries of the G7 group. In particular, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken publicly called on all UN member states last October to join the US in supporting Taiwan's meaningful participation in the UN system. In addition, our allies issue joint statements to this effect.
- Do you also have support from Slovakia?
Both our countries share common values and principles such as democracy, the rule of law and human rights. Based on them, they developed a number of economic cooperation projects that bring considerable mutual benefits. In May of this year, three committees of the National Council adopted relevant resolutions expressing their support for our participation in the World Health Assembly. Taiwan considers Slovakia an important partner in Europe and will encourage Slovakia and other like-minded countries to support its meaningful participation in the UN system.
