Taipei: Permanent representatives to the United Nations from five of Taiwan's diplomatic allies have submitted a joint letter to U.N. Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres, advocating for Taiwan's inclusion in the global organization. This move comes ahead of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) General Debate.
According to Focus Taiwan, the letter, addressed to Secretary-General Guterres and accepted by his Chef de Cabinet Earle Courtenay Rattray, outlines three main demands: inclusion, recognition, and camaraderie for Taiwan within the U.N. framework. The allies emphasized that U.N. Resolution 2758, which acknowledged the People's Republic of China (PRC) as a member, does not explicitly exclude Taiwan. Despite Beijing's interpretation that the resolution supports its "One China" principle, Taiwan contends that it only pertains to China's representation and does not address Taiwan's political status or sovereignty.
In addition to advocating for Taiwan's inclusion, the letter highlights Taiwan's significant role in promoting cross-strait peace, which the allies argue is essential for global stability and prosperity. They also called for the U.N. to adhere to its foundational principles by working with member nations to prevent military conflicts and promote peaceful dispute resolutions.
Permanent Representatives Ilana Seid of Palau, Menissa Rambally of Saint Lucia, John Silk of the Marshall Islands, Janine Coye-Felson of Belize, and Vynnette Frederick of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines represented Taiwan's allies in delivering the letter. In a separate statement, Lee Chih-chiang, head of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, expressed gratitude towards Taiwan's diplomatic allies for their support and emphasized the importance of Taiwan's participation in achieving the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals.
Lee further stressed that Taiwan's inclusion is vital for the U.N. to fulfill its theme for the 81st General Assembly debate: "Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all." The UNGA 81 commenced on September 8, with the high-level General Debate scheduled from September 22 to September 28 at the UN headquarters in New York City.