The officials of the United States and Taiwan held a high-level meeting on expanding the island’s participation at the United Nations and in other international organizations.
During the virtual meeting, the representatives of the U.S. Department of State and Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs discussed ways to facilitate Taiwan’s participation at the U.N so that it can contribute to the world on global challenges.
The U.S. State Department statement highlighted that “The discussion focused on supporting Taiwan’s ability to participate meaningfully at the UN and contribute its valuable expertise to address global challenges, including global public health, the environment and climate change, development assistance, technical standards, and economic cooperation.”
“U.S. participants reiterated the U.S. commitment to Taiwan’s meaningful participation at the World Health Organization and UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and discussed ways to highlight Taiwan’s ability to contribute to efforts on a wide range of issues,” U.S. State Department statement added.
According to the statement, “Participants included State Department Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Organizations Hugo Yon, Deputy Assistant Secretary for China, Taiwan, and Mongolia Rick Waters, and Taiwan’s deputy de facto ambassador in Washington, Wang Liang-yu”.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Secretary General Lily Hsu expressed gratitude toward the U.S.’ long-term support to Taiwan, while stressing that Taiwan’s government will continue to professionally and practically contribute to the world.
The meeting was held a few hours before Chinese President Xi Jinping gave a speech to commemorate the 50th anniversary of China’s accession to the U.N.
To pacify China’s concerns, the White House has clarified that there has been no change in the U.S. stance on the “One-China policy”.
In recent months, China has increased political and military pressures on Taiwan. Although Washington does not recognize Taiwan at the state level, the United States remains committed to protecting the island’s sovereignty.
