In the run-up to the 88th International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) General Assembly from 15-18 October, Co-Chairs of the British All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) Nigel Evans MP and Lord Rogan issued a statement on 9 October in support of Taiwan’s meaningful participation. The parliamentarians pointed out that as a major hub for the movement of capital, goods and people, “Taiwan’s ability in sharing international security intelligence and combatting cross-border crime would contribute to global security and counter terrorism.” The APPG Co-Chairs stressed that Taiwan’s exclusion from INTERPOL undermines the global endeavour to fight terrorism, illicit drugs, telecom fraud, cybercrime, and other forms of transnational crime, diminishing the effectiveness of the international law enforcement network. The British parliamentarians expressed their support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in INTERPOL, including in its General Assembly as an observer and in its meetings, mechanisms and activities, as well as access to the I-24/7 Global Police Communications System. Taiwan’s inclusion would “fill the gap in the global security network and create a safer world,” the statement concluded.
In addition to this statement from UK parliamentarians, the British Office Taipei stated on 17 October that “the British Government continues to hold the view that Taiwan has a meaningful contribution to make towards global issues such as organised crime,” adding that the UK welcomes Taiwan’s continuing contribution to global law enforcement. Overall, Taiwan received unprecedented international support for its participation in INTERPOL this year, with a total of 140 parliamentarians from 14 countries using diverse methods to back Taiwan’s campaign. Furthermore, Belize, Eswatini, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Paraguay, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines all sent letters to INTERPOL President Kim Jong Yang urging him to invite Taiwan to attend the General Assembly as an observer. On 19 October, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) issued a statement thanking allies for adhering to professional principles and showing moral courage in voicing their firm support.
