TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Taiwan deserves to be a member of Interpol as it has been a driving force in exchanging information about international crime in the Asia Pacific region, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) said Tuesday (Sept. 10).

Lin spoke at the latest edition of the International Forum on Police Cooperation Combating Transnational Fraud in Taipei City. The event was attended by official representatives and law enforcement officers from 40 countries, per Radio Taiwan International.

Lin called on more countries to sign judicial cooperation agreements with Taiwan to combat international crime. He said Taiwan had the will to fight against criminal organizations.

In his opening speech, the foreign minister said that although technological developments can make life convenient, they have fueled international crime. The criminals no longer threaten only individuals, but also regional security, international trade, and democratic values.

Considering the positive reputation of Taiwan’s police force and its results in fighting drug smuggling, the country should be allowed to join Interpol to gain information leading to more efficient law enforcement, Lin said. Taiwan was forced to leave the global police organization in 1984 when it admitted China as a member.