Taiwan plays a pivotal role in the international community. It produces over 90% of the world’s high-end semiconductors [and] manages nearly half of global seaborne trade.

Despite its undeniable economic and geopolitical significance, Taiwan remains excluded from the world’s largest international organization, the United Nations – a glaring omission that undermines global cooperation and governance.

Taiwan’s exclusion is perplexing, rooted not in merit but in political maneuvering, primarily driven by China’s distortion of U.N. General Assembly Resolution 2758, passed in 1971. However, let’s be clear: this resolution only addresses the question of China’s representation, not Taiwan’s.

This misuse undermines the U.N.’s integrity and prevents the organization from benefiting from Taiwan’s expertise in areas like humanitarian aid, disaster relief and sustainable development. As China ramps up its aggression towards Taiwan, threatening the peace and prosperity of billions, the U.N.’s silence is alarming.

The 79th U.N. General Assembly has convened in New York, focusing on the themes of peace, sustainability and human dignity for all. However, the U.N. continues to adhere to the outdated notion that it must choose between China and Taiwan. With the upcoming session, it is high time to address this oversight. Including Taiwan would enrich global dialogue, contribute to international stability and foster a more equitable, rules-based international order.

Amino Chi

director general

Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles