Foreign ministry studying how to approach U.N. bid

Paul Chang, director-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Department of International Organizations, said at press briefing that the MOFA is leaning toward making another U.N. bid this year, but is currently engaged in a multi-faceted evaluation of the issue. “We will make a decision by August and will proceed step-by-step in a pragmatic manner,” Chang said.

The decision will be made on the basis of three key factors that are currently being studied -- Taiwan's needs, the atmosphere in the international community, and cross-Taiwan Strait relations -- he added.

Taiwan has not been represented in the U.N. since 1971 when the Republic of China's seat was given to the People's Republic of China.

Taiwan's efforts since 1993 to have the world body consider the issue of its representation have failed mainly because of China's obstruction. However, with relations between the two sides of the strait warming up since President Ma Ying-jeou's administration took office last year, Taiwan was invited to attend the World Health Assembly in May as an observer.

Last year, in a departure from the high-profile push in 2007 for full membership under the name Taiwan, the country proposed that it be allowed to “participate meaningfully in the activities of U.N. specialized agencies.”

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