TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Officials representing Taiwan’s law enforcement agencies were on the sidelines of Interpol’s 92nd General Assembly this week to lobby for Taiwan’s participation and cooperation with the international policing agency.
The general assembly was held in Glasgow, Scotland from Nov. 4-7. While Taiwan is not allowed to join Interpol activities, the country maintains an observer status and often sends representatives to liaison with agencies from partner nations on the sidelines of such meetings.
This year, Taiwan’s law enforcement agencies were represented by Lin Miao-ling (林妙齡), chief of the International Affairs Division of the National Police Agency, and Li Kun-ta (李昆達), chief of the International Criminal Affairs Division of the Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB), reported RTI.
Speaking with reporters, Lin said that Taiwan’s current interaction with Interpol is similar to being the only friend not a member of the main group chat on applications like Line or WhatsApp. Taiwan’s access to information is therefore delayed, which often compromises its usefulness.
Taiwan’s police agencies are forced to wait until partners in the international network fill them in on crucial intelligence. Typically, when information relevant to Taiwan is obtained by Interpol, it must be cycled through the organization’s French headquarters, and then forwarded to Japan’s National Police Agency, which will then contact law enforcement offices in Taiwan.
In recent years, analysts have noted that based on Interpol’s foundational document and guiding principles, there is no reason for Taiwan to be excluded in the manner it is, per RTI. The only reason for the current situation is China’s political influence campaign to marginalize Taiwan’s international participation.
Prior to the start of the General Assembly, a press release written by CIB Commissioner Chou Yew-woei (周幼偉) outlined the argument for Taiwan’s participation in Interpol. Chou said the organization should not sacrifice global security just to cater to one country's political sensibilities.
Chou’s statement and appeal for Taiwan’s increased cooperation with Interpol was republished by multiple international news media outlets to coincide with the Interpol General Assembly in Scotland. Despite the obstacles Taiwan faces in communicating with police agencies in other nations to combat international crime, Taiwan remains committed to doing the best it can with the resources at its disposal.
Even without access to Interpol’s network, Taiwan’s police agencies have been recognized for their hard work and professionalism in handling international criminal cases. Taiwan regularly reaches out to partner nations with crucial intelligence when they can help stop criminal activity.
