TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said in a letter to Pope Francis that global organizations should no longer exclude Taiwan for political reasons.

The Vatican is one of just 12 countries to have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. China seeks to isolate Taiwan by forcing countries and international bodies to cut ties with the nation.  

Reuters said Friday the message to the pope came following developments between the Vatican and China in October. The two sides agreed to Catholic bishops being in China for four years and said there was a new level of trust between them.

The news portal AA.com quoted Lai as saying that “authoritarian regimes” like China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran threaten world “peace and stability” — adding “war has no winners.”

He added: “I earnestly hope that international organizations will stop excluding Taiwan for political reasons. Taiwan is willing to shoulder its international responsibilities so that it can contribute and share its valuable experience through many global platforms.”

Lai was responding to the pope's message of world peace issued on Jan. 1.

Catholic Christians comprise up to 1% of Taiwan’s population of 23.4 million.