Amid growing global challenges, the US-Taiwan relations continue to develop. The latest meeting convened in Taipei on June 21, 2024. The objective was to strategize on expanding Taiwan’s role in international organizations.
This meeting highlighted Taiwan’s significant contributions to global public health, food security, aviation safety, and climate change.
Expanding Taiwan’s Global Role
The U.S.-Taiwan Working Group Meeting on International Organizations brought together representatives from the U.S. Department of State and the Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The primary focus was to advocate for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations system and other international forums.
Key Discussion Points
- Public Health: Taiwan’s expertise in managing health crises, notably during the SARS outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores its vital role in global health security.
- Aviation Safety: Taiwan’s participation in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is crucial for maintaining global aviation safety standards.
Taiwan’s Contributions to Global Issues
Sector |
Contribution |
|---|---|
| Public Health | SARS, COVID-19 management |
| Food Security | Agricultural innovations |
| Aviation Safety | ICAO engagement |
| Climate Change | Sustainable technology advancements |
The U.S. Stance
The U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. This support aligns with the U.S. one China policy, guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the three Joint Communiques, and the Six Assurances.
Support for Taiwan
- WHO Involvement: The U.S. emphasized the need for Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization (WHO) to bolster global health efforts.
- Global Cooperation: Encouraging collaboration with like-minded countries to counteract efforts to exclude Taiwan from the international community.
Challenges and Implications
Taiwan’s exclusion from major international organizations, primarily due to China’s opposition, has significant repercussions.
Economic and Strategic Impact
- Trade Disruptions: Taiwan’s key role in global supply chains, especially in semiconductors, means exclusion impacts worldwide industries.
- Security Concerns: Taiwan’s strategic location is vital for regional peace and security.
Important Facts:
- Taiwan produces 92% of the world’s most advanced logic chips.
- Disruptions in Taiwan’s semiconductor industry could lead to significant economic losses globally.
Alternative Mechanisms
Due to Taiwan’s exclusion from the UN, alternative platforms have been established to ensure Taiwan’s expertise is not sidelined. One such initiative is the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF).
Led by the U.S. and Taiwan, the GCTF aims to address global issues by leveraging Taiwan’s capabilities in various sectors such as public health, disaster relief, and cybersecurity. This platform facilitates cooperation and knowledge exchange, ensuring that Taiwan’s contributions are recognized and utilized in tackling pressing global challenges.
Additionally, the U.S. continues to support Taiwan’s membership in organizations where statehood is not a requirement and encourages meaningful participation where membership is not possible. This includes bilateral and multilateral engagements designed to integrate Taiwan’s expertise and perspectives into the global dialogue.
The Takeaway
The U.S.-Taiwan Working Group Meeting on International Organizations marked a significant step towards ensuring Taiwan’s contributions to global challenges are recognized and utilized.
By advocating for Taiwan’s inclusion in international forums, the U.S. and its allies aim to enhance global cooperation and address pressing issues effectively.
Taiwan’s expertise in public health, food security, aviation safety, and climate change is indispensable, and its participation in international organizations is essential for global progress.
Sources: THX News, Rhodium Group, Digital Commons Law Report, Council on Foreign Relations, VOA News, Focus Taiwan & US Department of State.
