U.S. expert suggests Taiwan-China joint membership in U.N.

David Dean, a former chairman and managing director of the American Institute in Taiwan, noted that since the inauguration of President Ma Ying-jeou in May 2008, cross-Taiwan Strait ties have been moving from confrontation to cooperation.

If this development continues, it is likely that a “Chinese republic” will be formed that incorporates China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, according to Dean.

With Taiwan having begun to participate in activities of specialized agencies of the United Nations, it is not impossible that the two sides of the strait could come to a consensus on the issue of U.N. membership for Taiwan based on the precedent of the now-defunct Soviet Union, which used to hold three seats in the world body, he said. Dean made the comment during a seminar on Taiwan's quest for international space that was held by the Sigur Center for Asian Studies of George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

However, Bonnie Glaser, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, who also participated in the discussion, disagreed with Dean.

Glaser told reporters that she believes the chances are slim for Taiwan to be admitted to the United Nations alongside China. The chances will remain just as meager even if the two sides sign a peace accord, she added.

According to Glaser, there was once a chance for Taiwan and China to be concurrently represented in the United Nations back in 1970, thanks to efforts made by some of Taiwan's allies.

With those efforts having proven a failure, it is unrealistic to renew the issue now, she went on.

Taiwan has not been represented at the United Nations since 1971, when the Republic of China's seat was given to the People's Republic of China, and it has tried — unsuccessfully, due to Beijing's objections — to have the United Nations consider the issue of its representation since 1993.

In 2008, the country promoted a bid to “participate meaningfully in the activities of specialized U.N. agencies,” in line with Ma's “modus vivendi” diplomatic strategy that favors a moderate and pragmatic approach.

In May this year, Taiwan was invited for the first time to attend as an observer at the World Health Assembly — the decision-making arm of the World Health Organization.

Subscribe to The China Post and save 25%. Click here

SharePrintEmail

Write a Comment

Terms

Enter your comments - 3000 characters max

Type in image code

Submit

 Receive China Post promos
 Respond to this email