The United States supports Taiwan’s meaningful participation at the United Nations.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken explained why. “Taiwan,” he said in a written statement, “has become a democratic success story. Its model supports transparency, respect for human rights, and the rule of law – values that align with those of the United Nations. Taiwan is critical to the global high-tech economy and a hub of travel, culture, and education. We are among the many UN member states who view Taiwan as a valued partner and trusted friend.”
The United States supports a more inclusive approach, which would allow the international community and the UN itself to benefit from Taiwan’s expertise and willingness to help. Taiwan is a leader in developing the technologies that will shape the future not just of our economies, but also of our governments and societies. The world needs Taiwan’s expertise to help set standards and chart a course toward a future in which technology affirms, not undermines, democratic values and civil liberties.
The United States adheres to the “one China” policy. Consistent with that policy, the United States has strong informal relations with Taiwan consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act.
As Secretary Blinken pointed out, for most of the past 50 years, Taiwan participated “robustly” in certain UN specialized agencies. Recently, however, Taiwan has not been permitted to contribute to UN efforts.
“Despite the tens of millions of passengers traveling annually through its airports, Taiwan was not represented at the International Civil Aviation Organization,” Secretary Blinken said. “Although we have much to learn from Taiwan’s world-class response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added, “Taiwan was not at the World Health Assembly. Members of civil society from around the world engage every day in activities at the UN, but Taiwan’s scientists, technical experts, business persons, artists, educators, students, human rights advocates, and others are blocked from entry and participating in these activities simply because of the passports they hold.”
Secretary Blinken declared that “Taiwan’s exclusion undermines the important work of the UN and its related bodies, all of which stand to benefit greatly from its contributions. . .That is why we encourage all UN Member States to join us in supporting Taiwan’s robust, meaningful participation throughout the UN system and in the international community, consistent with our ‘one China’ policy, which is guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the three Joint Communiques, and the Six Assurances.”
