By Dr. Lin Chia-Lung
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
Today, the world faces an array of mounting uncertainties and challenges—from prolonged conflicts and democratic backsliding to economic coercion and disinformation campaigns. Authoritarian regimes increasingly employ gray-zone tactics to undermine the rules-based international order. In this fragile global environment, peace can no longer be taken for granted. Democracies must unite to strengthen resilience and safeguard the values and freedoms we hold dear.
Taiwan stands as a crucial player and indispensable partner in the Indo-Pacific region, steadfastly working toward global peace, stability, and prosperity. Positioned on the frontline of the Indo-Pacific’s first island chain, Taiwan defends democracy and freedom against authoritarian expansionism. Beyond its strategic significance, Taiwan’s robust economy and world-leading semiconductor ecosystem underpin regional and global stability and growth. As the world’s 21st-largest economy, Taiwan leads innovation in artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing—producing over 60 percent of the world’s chips and 90 percent of its most advanced ones. This economic prowess fuels global progress and cements Taiwan’s role as an indispensable partner in diverse fields of development.
Taiwan is unwavering in its commitment to defending democratic values both at home and abroad. Last year, President Lai Ching-te unveiled the Four Pillars of Peace action plan, pledging to enhance defense spending and bolster whole-of-society resilience. Taiwan seeks no conflict with China and will not provoke it. Instead, it consistently calls on Beijing to resume dialogue based on parity and mutual respect.
To navigate today’s complex international landscape, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has adopted an “Integrated Diplomacy” strategy—leveraging Taiwan’s diplomatic, defense, technological, and economic strengths in unison. This smart power approach amplifies Taiwan’s global presence and deepens its contributions to a more stable and prosperous world.
Through a global democratic values network, Taiwan strengthens partnerships with like-minded nations confronting geopolitical uncertainty. Together, we resist authoritarian influence, promote human rights, advance digital governance, and uphold the rules-based international order. Taiwan’s resilience amid authoritarian pressure proves that democracy can endure—and even thrive—in adversity.
Economically, Taiwan remains a powerhouse driving innovation in semiconductors, AI, digitalization, and healthcare. To safeguard this vital position, Taiwan has launched an economic diplomacy strategy focused on developing non-red supply chains—building trusted, transparent networks to protect critical industries from authoritarian interference.
Taiwan also advances the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, a public-private partnership that consolidates government resources and harnesses Taiwan’s industrial strengths to promote mutually beneficial development. Notable initiatives include collaborating with Paraguay to develop an integrated hospital information system to improve healthcare nationwide; partnering with Eswatini to establish an oil reserve facility that strengthens energy security and stimulates local industry; and supporting Palau in becoming a smart, sustainable island nation—exemplifying Taiwan’s commitment to sustainable international cooperation.
Yet despite these significant contributions, Taiwan remains largely excluded from the international community and barred from participating in the United Nations system. This exclusion stems from China’s deliberate misrepresentation of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758. Beijing falsely claims the resolution affirms the “one China principle” and uses it to block Taiwan’s meaningful international engagement.
In truth, Resolution 2758 does not mention Taiwan—it solely addresses China’s representation in the UN. It neither states that Taiwan is part of the People’s Republic of China nor grants the PRC the authority to represent Taiwan in the UN system. Nonetheless, the UN has succumbed to political pressure from China, wrongly citing this resolution to justify Taiwan’s exclusion.
Taiwan now speaks out against this injustice and is gaining increasing international support. Countries around the world are amplifying calls for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait at bilateral and multilateral forums, including the Group of Seven (G7) summit. Many governments have publicly clarified that Resolution 2758 neither defines Taiwan’s status nor bars its participation in international organizations—including within the UN system.
As the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary, and with only five years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is time to honor its founding vision of “leaving no one behind” and becoming “better together” by embracing Taiwan.
Taiwan invites the global community to “chip in” by recognizing its rightful place on the world stage and welcoming the contributions it offers. Only through inclusive cooperation can we build a brighter, more peaceful, and prosperous future for the Indo-Pacific and the world.