TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) on Friday thanked US and French lawmakers for supporting Taiwan after it was excluded from a World Trade Organization conference.
The foreign ministry said Taiwan was not invited to the WTO’s 14th ministerial conference hosted by Cameroon, CNA reported. It said the decision departed from past practice and weakened Taiwan’s status as a full member participating as a separate customs territory.
US Representative Mario Diaz-Balart said the move was concerning. He warned that it reflected China’s efforts to influence international organizations and limit Taiwan’s participation, per Economic Daily News.
Chair John Moolenaar and Ranking Member Ro Khanna of the US House Select Committee on China, also issued a joint statement. They said excluding Taiwan from the meeting marked “another troubling example of China’s continued efforts to manipulate multilateral institutions.”
They added that Taiwan is a key global trading partner. They said the exclusion set a dangerous precedent and weakened the WTO’s ability to address global economic challenges.
In France, National Assembly member Eric Bothorel voiced support for Taiwan on social media. He said Taiwan is not part of China and called for fair treatment in international forums.
Lin thanked the lawmakers for their support. He said Taiwan will continue to work with like-minded partners to safeguard its rights, dignity, and meaningful participation in the international community, Liberty Times reported.
