honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, September 11, 2003

ISLAND VOICES
Taiwan belongs in the U.N.

Raymond L.S. Wang is the consul general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Honolulu.
By Raymond L.S. Wang

Situated at the Asia-Pacific crossroads with limited land and natural resources, Taiwan has been recognized for its successful economic development, democratization and globalization. It has also received well-known appellations throughout the world, such as being one of the four "Asian Dragons."

Through the hard work of its 23 million proud and diligent people, Taiwan is now an outstanding example of economy and democracy: it has the world's 16th-largest economy, its government is ranked by Brown University as the best in the world, and the World Economic Forum ranks it third in global competitiveness.

The exceptional situation of Taiwan's exclusion from the U.N. and other international organizations is not only contrary to the universality principle of the world body, but also creates a critical gap in the global network that is crucial in the fight against terrorism and disease, two issues that are so important today.

Despite political challenges from Beijing, however, Taiwan still shows its eagerness and willingness to participate in the international community. For example, after years of hard work, Taiwan is now a member of the World Trade Organization and is ready to further connect itself to the global trading system.

Following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Taiwan provided $20 million in financial and humanitarian assistance to the victims and their families. Taiwan has also pledged its support to the United States in its fight to combat international terrorism by announcing its cooperation, under Resolution 1373 of the U.N. Security Council, to combat terrorism.

Taiwan also has joined the global fight against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria by donating $1 million to the United Nations Foundation last December. Recently, upon learning that American Samoa was struck by torrential rains in June, the government on Taiwan immediately provided financial assistance to support relief efforts there.

These are only a few examples of Taiwan's unrelenting efforts to carry out its full duties as a member of this global village. It is time for all members of this global village to realize that Taiwan continues to be treated unfairly in the international political arena.