MANHATTAN, New York – AS the international community continues to grapple with global challenges, the issue of Taiwan’s participation in the international system has again come into focus at the ongoing United Nations General Assembly.
Taiwan, which has long been excluded from the United Nations system amid opposition from the People’s Republic of China, has received renewed support from several of its diplomatic allies, including countries in the Caribbean.
St Kitts and Nevis Deputy Prime Minister Geoffrey Hanley used his address to the General Debate to reiterate the Federation’s support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the international community.
The Republic of China (Taiwan) has sought to use its technological, health and other capabilities to contribute meaninfully to international efforts, despite its exclusion from several international organisations.
Hanley told the General Assembly that “Saint Kitts and Nevis remains steadfast in its friendship with the Republic of China Taiwan and supports for its meaningful international participation.”
He recalled that earlier this year, St Kitts and Nevis joined other countries in supporting Taiwan’s participation as an observer at the 79th World Health Assembly.
“We continue to support its meaningful participation in the World Health Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and other relevant mechanisms, and reiterate that differences across the Taiwan Strait must be resolved peacefully,” Hanley added.
St Lucia’s Prime Minister Philippe Pierre also expressed support for Taiwan during his address, emphasising his country’s position in favour of Taiwan’s full membership in the United Nations.
“Saint Lucia believes that a truly inclusive United Nations must ensure that its decision-making bodies reflect the world that they serve,” he said.
Pierre’s comments formed part of a broader call for reform of the United Nations system, including comprehensive reform of the Security Council to enhance its legitimacy and effectiveness in addressing global challenges and help restore trust in the multilateral system.
St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Godwin Friday also reiterated support for Taiwan, pointing to the longstanding relationship between the two countries.
“I wish in this August body to recognize our country's 45 years of diplomatic ties and friendship with Taiwan that has seen us work together in development, in disaster response, education and in public health,” he told the General Assembly.
Friday said Taiwan has shown that it is “prepared to be a responsible member of the international community.”
He renewed his call for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations system and its specialised agencies.
Belize Prime Minister John Briceño also called for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the UN system, stressing the importance of smaller states having a voice in addressing global challenges.
“We hold no illusion that a small state can resolve these crises, but smallness does not relieve us of the duty to speak or voice joins every call for the protection of civilians, for accountability and for the diplomacy,” Briceño said.
He said diplomacy remains essential to securing durable peace.
