AIT backs Taiwan’s global participation as China unveils penalties

AIT backs Taiwan’s global participation as China unveils penalties

2024-06-24

Last Friday, China announced severe punishments for “Taiwan independence diehards,” including those who promote Taiwan’s participation in global bodies. In a meeting that same day, Taiwan and the U.S. discussed ways to expand Taiwan’s participation in the U.N. system. U.S. officials reportedly said that no restrictions should be placed on developing strong bilateral ties. According to Legislator Wang Ting-yu, such rhetoric opens up more diplomatic space for Taiwan.

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office announced severe punishments for “Taiwan independence diehards” last Friday. Punishable offenses include promoting Taiwan’s official exchanges with foreign countries or its participation in global organizations that are limited to sovereign states. The AIT quickly hit out at the announcement.

In a news release, the AIT said it held consultations with TECRO in Taipei last Friday. Representatives from the U.S. state department and Taiwan’s foreign ministry discussed how to expand Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the U.N. system and other international fora. Officials at the meeting reiterated the U.S.’ longstanding commitment to Taiwan’s international participation, including at the World Health Organization and International Civil Aviation Organization.

Chung Chia-pin
DPP legislator
I think the U.S. right now is a very important country with the most power internationally. In this sense, of course it has to say something and push back against China.

This U.S.-Taiwan Working Group Meeting was held the same day as Beijing’s announcement. It’s unknown whether it was a coincidence, or if China knew about the meeting in advance.

In their low-profile visit, U.S. state department officials Daniel Kritenbrink and Mark Lambert emphasized to other international envoys in Taipei that China was mischaracterizing U.N. Resolution 2758. The agreement holds no sway over other countries’ relations with Taiwan, nor does it constitute the U.N.’s final determination on its political status, they said, emphasizing that it does not preclude Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the U.N. system or other multinational fora. Officials said that “as long as it’s not mentioned, we can do it,” as there should be no restrictions on countries deepening their relationship with Taiwan.

Wang Ting-yu
DPP lawmaker
The U.S. sent two assistant secretaries of state to Taiwan at the same time. This is already a rare move. You could say there are new developments in how Taiwan can engage with other nations without having diplomatic relations. Global society, especially the U.S., is building a new legal foundation.

The lawmaker said that, despite China’s efforts to suppress Taiwan, the working group meeting will help Taiwan expand its international space.

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