Restoring confidence in the UN must begin with rejecting coercion by authoritarian states, writes Taiwan minister of foreign affairs Dr Lin Chia-lung
The world stands at a critical juncture. The rules-based order is under growing strain as authoritarian states seek to weaken its safeguards and reshape international rule to serve their own interests. Even the fundamental principles of peaceful settlement of disputes and prohibition against the threat or use of force, which are enshrined in the United Nations Charter, have been openly challenged and flagrantly flouted.
Nowhere is this clearer than in the Indo-Pacific, where China’s militarisation and grey-zone warfare increasingly threaten the region’s stability. These tactics range from maritime aggression and missile tests to millions of cyberattacks daily and have a clear aim: to unilaterally reshape existing rules and norms in the PRC’s favour.
Global ripple effects
Taiwan is the primary target of this aggression, but disruption in the Taiwan Strait would be felt around the globe. It is one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes and a major artery for international supply chains. Any threat to this status would have severe implications for the global economy. This is recognised by an ever-growing chorus of voices worldwide – including the UK, US and other G7 countries – calling for the preservation of the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.
China’s abuse of the rules-based order extends to the institutional domain through its deliberate misrepresentation of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758. Adopted in 1971, the resolution covers China’s representation at the UN but does not mention Taiwan or address its participation in the UN system. Yet China has conspired to conflate UNGA 2758 with its so-called “one China principle” and use it to block Taiwan’s participation in the UN and other international organisations. Unchallenged, this lawfare sets a dangerous precedent and could be used as a pretext for future military action.
Taiwan and the UN
Taiwan’s exclusion from the UN is self-defeating. Its strengths in technology, healthcare and disaster preparedness are valuable assets, not to mention Taiwan’s current rate of economic growth is among the highest in Asia. Taiwan is a bastion of democracy, human rights and freedom in the region and is driving sustainable development in its diplomatic allies through projects in infrastructure, smart healthcare and energy resilience. These initiatives demonstrate that Taiwan is a willing and capable partner in tackling the challenges the world faces today.
Khalilur Rahman, president of the UN General Assembly, has made restoring trust and managing institutional transformation the overarching themes of his presidency. Restoring confidence in the UN must begin with rejecting coercion by authoritarian states and productively and fairly harnessing the capabilities of the entire international community.
The international order is underpinned by the principles of inclusivity, peaceful settlement of disputes, and the prohibition of the threat or use of force. It is more vital now than ever that we all defend these principles. Working hand in hand with Taiwan will strengthen the world’s collective security, enhance economic and technological resilience, and build our shared capacity to withstand authoritarian pressure. Ensuring Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the UN is thus essential to protecting our hard-won and precious international order.
Dr Lin Chia-lung is the minister of foreign affairs for ROC (Taiwan)