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Lin Chia-lung is the minister of foreign affairs for the Republic of China (Taiwan).
Today, the world faces mounting uncertainties and challenges — from prolonged conflicts and democratic backsliding to economic coercion and disinformation campaigns. Authoritarian regimes increasingly employ gray-zone tactics that undermine the rules-based international order. In this fragile global environment, peace cannot be taken for granted. Democracies must unite to bolster resilience and safeguard our cherished values and way of life.
Taiwan is a key player and indispensable partner in the Indo-Pacific, working toward global peace, stability, and prosperity. It stands on the front line of the first island chain, defending democracy and freedom from authoritarian expansionism.
Taiwan contributes significantly to stability and prosperity through its robust economy and semiconductor ecosystem. As the 21st-largest economy, Taiwan leads in artificial intelligence and semiconductors, producing more than 60% of the world’s chips and 90% of its most advanced ones. This economic strength fuels global growth and makes Taiwan an indispensable partner for global development.
Taiwan is determined to defend democratic values. President Lai Ching-te launched the Four Pillars of Peace action plan last year, committing to raise defense spending and boost whole-of-society resilience. Taiwan does not seek conflict with China and will not provoke it. Taiwan urges Beijing to resume dialogue on the basis of parity and dignity.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs adopted “integrated diplomacy” to leverage Taiwan’s diplomatic, defense, technological and economic strengths. With this smart power approach, Taiwan is navigating complex international relations, enhancing its global presence and contributing to a more stable and prosperous world.
Through the global democratic values chain, Taiwan strengthens partnerships with democracies facing uncertain geopolitical risks to resist authoritarian influence, promote human rights, advance digital governance and uphold the rules-based international order. Taiwan’s resilience in the face of threats proves that democracy can endure and thrive under pressure.
As a thriving economic powerhouse, Taiwan leads in semiconductor production and advanced technologies by fueling innovation and growth in artificial intelligence, digitalization and health care. To reinforce this position, Taiwan has launched an economic diplomacy strategy focused on non-red supply chains, building trusted and transparent networks that safeguard critical industries from authoritarian interference.
Taiwan also actively advances the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, harnessing public-private collaboration to consolidate government resources and leverage industrial strengths for mutually beneficial development. Initiatives include collaborating with Paraguay to develop an integrated hospital information system; partnering with Eswatini on an oil reserve facility project to strengthen energy security and stimulate local industry; and assisting Palau in becoming a smart and sustainable island nation.
Regrettably, despite these global contributions, Taiwan remains unrecognized by the international community and excluded from the United Nations. Taiwan’s exclusion stems from China’s misrepresentation of U.N. General Assembly Resolution 2758. The resolution is falsely linked with the so-called one China principle and has been weaponized to block Taiwan’s participation. In fact, Resolution 2758 does not mention Taiwan, it merely addresses China’s representation in the U.N. It does not state Taiwan is part of the People’s Republic of China, nor does it grant the PRC the right to represent Taiwan in the U.N. Nevertheless, the U.N. has yielded to China’s political pressure.
In response, Taiwan is speaking out against this injustice and garnering strong support. Countries worldwide increasingly emphasize peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait at bilateral and multilateral forums such as the Group of Seven summit. The executive and legislative branches of numerous nations have clarified that Resolution 2758 neither determines Taiwan’s status nor precludes its participation in international organizations, including the U.N.
As the U.N. celebrates its 80th anniversary — and with only five years remaining to realize the Sustainable Development Goals — it is time for it to fulfill its vision of “leaving no one behind” and becoming “better together’’ by including Taiwan. Taiwan invites the world to recognize Taiwan’s rightful place and embrace its contributions. Only by working together can we create a better and brighter future for the Indo-Pacific and the world.
