During another session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the iconic UN headquarters was the epicenter of global diplomacy.
As world leaders gathered to deliver speeches and engage in private side meetings, a crucial issue remains conspicuously unresolved: Taiwan’s exclusion from the UN system. Despite the high-profile discussions on wars, climate change, and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, Taiwan’s voice is yet again sidelined, a nation standing in the shadows of international politics. For the umpteenth time, Taiwan was left out of the UN.
Amidst the bustling diplomacy of over 130 world leaders, the question of Taiwan’s inclusion is a glaring omission. During a year marked by conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific, Taiwan’s unique geopolitical position cannot be overlooked. Situated at the heart of the Indo-Pacific region, Taiwan is not just another small nation; it’s one of the most vibrant democracies in East and South Asia.
Economically powerful and strategically significant, Taiwan plays a pivotal role in the regional balance of power. And yet, its absence from the UN undermines the very principles the organization was founded on—unity and inclusivity.
Taiwan's exclusion is due to the contentious interpretation by China of Resolution 2758, passed in 1971. This resolution, which gave China’s seat at the UN to the People’s Republic of China, has long been misinterpreted by Beijing to assert that Taiwan is an integral part of China.
However, Taiwan and its allies argue that the resolution merely resolved the issue of representation for China, without addressing Taiwan’s political status or sovereignty. Taiwan continues to function independently with its own government, economy, and society, completely separate from China. Yet, the resolution has been manipulated to justify Taiwan’s diplomatic isolation.
Recently, a group of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies, including countries like Belize, Guatemala, and the Marshall Islands, issued a joint letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, urging the UN to rectify this ongoing injustice. They called for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the UN system, highlighting its contributions to global challenges like sustainable development and public health.
The UN’s mission to “leave no one behind,” central to its 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, starkly contrasts with its continued sidelining of Taiwan—a nation of over 23 million people.
Italy has also taken a notable stance on the matter. Through a parliamentary resolution, spearheaded by Vice President of the Foreign Affairs Committee Paolo Formentini, the Italian government committed to supporting Taiwan’s inclusion in UN agencies such as the World Health Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization.
Italy’s position underscores the growing recognition of Taiwan’s importance in global affairs, especially in sectors like public health, semiconductor production, and climate change—a point often emphasized by Formentini. Taiwan’s expertise, from managing Chinese military air incursions to leading innovations in artificial intelligence, makes it an indispensable player in the global community.
Yet, despite this growing support, the reality remains stark. China continues to exert its influence to block Taiwan’s participation, leveraging its geopolitical weight to push the “One China” narrative on the world stage. China’s strategic aim is clear: keep Taiwan diplomatically isolated to pave the way for a future annexation.
Through economic pressure, psychological warfare, and coercive diplomacy, Beijing seeks to weaken Taiwan’s international standing. But ironically, these efforts often have the opposite effect, strengthening Taiwan’s resolve and reinforcing its national identity.
As Taiwan continues to fight for its rightful place in the world, the question remains: how long will the UN continue to ignore a thriving democracy that not only contributes to the global economy but also stands as a beacon of freedom in a region fraught with authoritarianism? Taiwan’s exclusion is not just a political oversight; it’s a failure of the international community to uphold the principles of fairness and equality.
The exclusion of Taiwan from the UN contradicts the very theme of this year’s General Assembly: “Leave no one behind.” Taiwan, with its robust democratic institutions and significant contributions to global affairs, remains left behind, denied the opportunity to participate in the global dialogue that shapes the future of our world. It’s time for the international community to recognize Taiwan for what it is—a key player in the global order, not a mere pawn in the geopolitical game.
As diplomatic leaders gather to discuss the future of humanity, the omission of Taiwan is more than just a missed opportunity. It’s a reminder that, in the corridors of power, the ideals of unity and inclusiveness are often sacrificed for political expediency. Taiwan’s ongoing exclusion from the UN is not just another diplomatic misstep—it’s a failure to embrace a future that includes everyone.
