TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwanese lawmakers, NGOs, and overseas Taiwanese marched through Manhattan on Saturday in support of Taiwan's inclusion in the United Nations, chanting slogans including “UN for Taiwan” and “Keep Taiwan Free,” per CNA.
The annual march took place during the opening week of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, which began Sept. 8 at UN headquarters in New York. The General Assembly's 2026-27 session is being held under the theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All,” per a UN press release.
The march was organized by groups advocating Taiwan's participation in international organizations. Participants included Taiwanese lawmakers and overseas Taiwanese from New York, Boston, Washington, and other parts of the US. Marchers traveled along 42nd Street in Manhattan, passing the Chinese Consulate General, Times Square, and Bryant Park before reaching the New York Public Library, according to organizers.
Participants chanted “UN for Taiwan” and “Keep Taiwan Free,” while some passersby stopped to take photographs and show their support. DPP Legislator Wang Yi-chuan (王義川) led the march with Shih Shu-hua (史書華), chair of the Taiwan United Nations Alliance.
Wang said Taiwan is already an important member of the international community, particularly in semiconductors and technology, and called for the annual demonstration to continue so the voices of Taiwanese supporters can be heard by UN member states, per CNA.
He said he hoped Taiwan could eventually join the United Nations under the name “Taiwan.” Lee Chih-chiang (李志強), director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, addressed participants at the conclusion of the march and called on the UN to allow Taiwan to participate.
Shih said TAIUNA continues to support Taiwan's membership in the UN and World Health Organization, but the group has broadened its objectives to promote Taiwan's participation in international organizations more generally.
“Our goals are now broader,” Shih said, arguing that Taiwan should be able to engage in exchanges with international organizations and friendly countries, per CNA.
Marshall Islands Permanent Representative to the UN John Silk also attended the event in support of Taiwan. His government has previously voiced support for Taiwan's meaningful participation in the UN system.
The Taiwan government has also launched a promotional campaign in New York during the General Assembly session. The Foreign Ministry said it would use public diplomacy and other activities to highlight Taiwan's contributions to the international community and advocate for its participation in the UN system.
