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Taiwan speaks with US about 'meaningful' UN role

John Culatto
October 24, 2021

Taiwan wants a greater role in United Nations bodies, including the World Health Organization. But China claims it has the sole right to represent the island internationally.

https://p.dw.com/p/426pg
Military officers on armored vehicles during a parade for the Double-Tenth National Day Celebration Ceremony, in Taipei, Taiwan
Taiwan wants a greater say at the UN, and has vowed to protect itself from any Chinese attackImage: Daniel Ceng Shou-Yi/ZUMA Press Wire/ZUMAPRESS/picture alliance

Taiwan has held high-level talks with the US on how it can "meaningfully" participate at the United Nations since China took over its seat in 1971.

The virtual meetings announced late Saturday between the US State Department and the Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs came hours before Chinese President Xi Jinping was due to give a speech to mark the 50th anniversary of China's admission to the UN.

What does Taiwan want?

Taiwan wants its own voice in the World Health Organization and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, separately to the People's Republic of China, the US State Department said.

"The discussion focused on supporting Taiwan's ability to participate meaningfully at the UN and contribute its valuable expertise to address global challenges," said the US State Department.

Biden says US will defend Taiwan

The US statement said Taiwan could contribute on public health, the environment, climate change, development assistance, technical standards and economic cooperation.

Taiwan's Foreign Ministry tweeted its thanks to the US for its "common sense" in supporting the talks.

It added that "UN Resolution 2758 isn't a blank check for China to run roughshod over Taiwan and its 23.5 million people."

The 1971 UN resolution returned the seat to China previously held by Taiwan.

Why is China against Taiwan?

China sees Taiwan as one of its provinces and has stated it has the sole right to represent the island internationally.

Xi will give a speech on Monday about what China calls the restoration of its lawful UN seat on October 25, 1971.

Taiwan's exclusion from the United Nations has meant that the democratic country has not had full access to WHO resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dangerous territory: Is Taiwan next on China's list?

It has forced the country to look for vaccines privately, while China and the WHO claim it has received all the help it needs.

China has increased political and military pressure on Taiwan to make the island accept its sovereignty. Taiwan has said it will defend itself from any attack, and the US has said it will defend the country — even though it does not recognize it at state level. 

Material from Reuters contributed to this report.