Taiwan has called on the international community to strengthen the rules-based international order and support its meaningful participation in the United Nations, warning that the continued exclusion of the island could undermine global efforts to promote peace, security and democratic values.

Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Lin Chia-lung, made the appeal against the backdrop of what he described as growing pressure on the international system from authoritarian states seeking to weaken established safeguards and reshape international rules to suit their interests.

Lin argued that fundamental principles contained in the UN Charter, including the peaceful settlement of disputes and the prohibition of the threat or use of force, were increasingly being challenged.

He identified the Indo-Pacific, particularly the first island chain, as one of the regions where the consequences of such challenges were most pronounced.

According to him, China’s deployment of what he described as “gray-zone tactics”, including military intimidation, cyber intrusions and economic coercion, was putting regional stability under pressure.

Taiwan, he said, remained committed to maintaining the status quo and defending democracy and freedom, but stressed that peace across the Taiwan Strait was not solely a Taiwanese concern.

“The Taiwan Strait is one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes and a major artery for international supply chains,” Lin said, arguing that disruption in the region would have implications far beyond East Asia.

He pointed to growing calls from the Group of Seven and countries including Japan, the United States, Britain, Australia and New Zealand for the preservation of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

A major part of Taiwan’s argument centres on UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, adopted in 1971.
Lin contended that the resolution dealt with the question of China’s representation at the United Nations but did not mention Taiwan, determine its political status or prohibit Taiwan’s participation in the UN system.

He accused China of using its interpretation of the resolution to prevent Taiwan from participating in international organisations and warned that such a reading could create a dangerous precedent.

Despite its exclusion from the UN, Lin said Taiwan remained committed to contributing to global development, citing its capabilities in advanced manufacturing, disaster preparedness, public health, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and other technologies.

Taiwan has also sought to strengthen partnerships through what it calls an integrated foreign policy focused on democratic alliances, collective security and economic resilience.

Through its Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, Taiwan has supported technology and development initiatives with diplomatic partners, including healthcare information systems in Paraguay, a strategic oil reserve facility in Eswatini and smart healthcare cooperation with Palau National Hospital.

Lin also welcomed the incoming president of the 81st UN General Assembly, Khalilur Rahman, whose priorities include restoring trust and managing institutional transformation.
He argued that restoring confidence in the UN must include greater inclusiveness, insisting that a credible international system should not leave out a constructive member of the global community.

“The free world needs Taiwan and a stronger, more credible United Nations needs Taiwan’s meaningful participation,” Lin said, urging governments to uphold inclusiveness, peaceful dispute settlement and the rejection of force as instruments of international relations.