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Mr. Boutros-Ghali's statement reminds me of an anomaly in the world today that is the exclusion of the Republic of China from the United Nations. The Republic of China on Taiwan not only is a model state of political and economic development for the world, it also has demonstrated to the world that it is a responsible nation eager to make contributions to the world community. We should let the ROC have the chance to become a constructive member of the United Nations. I would like to call to the attention of my distinguished colleagues the following article titled, `U.N. Should Welcome Taiwan,' by Dr. Fredrick Chien, the Foreign Minister of the ROC. The article appeared in the August 5, 1993, issue of the Far Eastern Economic Review.
The article follows:
Today we are privileged to live in an age when new strategic concepts beckon and age-old humanitarian goals seem more within the realm of possibility.
Unshackled from the rigid Cold War constraints of ideology and superpower confrontation, the world at last dares to think creatively about new approaches for achieving durable peace, equitable prosperity and basic freedoms for all. As horizons expand, outdated formulas and axioms have to be re-examined if mankind is to move forward.
No one will deny that it is still a dangerous world. Despite the decline of communism and the ascendance of democracy throughout much of the world, there are still many urgent global problems on the agenda; local ethnic and border conflicts; proliferation of nuclear and conventional weapons of mass destruction; global terrorism; and persisting hunger and disease, to name but a few.
Multilateral cooperation seems more essential than ever for combating and achieving victory over these scourges. These daunting challenges require innovative approaches, premised upon universal participation and shared responsibility. When, at last, the world seems able to devote more attention and resources to the welfare of mankind, we should not be limited by narrow injunctions of the past.
The case for the Republic of China (ROC) assuming a more active, supportive role in this new environment is compelling. Our economic strength speaks for itself, we have the world's 25th-highest per capita income; 20th-largest gross national product; 15th-biggest overseas trade volume; and the largest foreign-exchange reserve holdings in the world. Indeed, we have applied to enter GATT under the stricter category for developed status.
Rapid democratization, together with new pragmatic policies and diplomacy aimed at national unification, demonstrate our progressive spirit as a government and
a people. The spectrum of our existing overseas aid, training and disaster relief programmes illustrates our concern for the common welfare. Moreover, growing international consensus on the principles of interdependence and regional integration argue strongly for our re-emergence in the multilateral arena.
Coincidentally, just as public opinion on Taiwan is having its greatest impact on ROC policy, there is tremendous popular demand for a greater national profile abroad. After decades of semi-isolation (partially self-inflicted, but largely imposed), the 20 million people on the island of Taiwan are ready to assume their proper role and responsibilities in regional and global institutions.
We are currently a member of the Asian Development Bank, the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council, the Pacific Basin Economic Council, and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, as well as the International and Asian Olympic Associations. Our pending application to join Gatt is headed towards success.
Taking all this into consideration, our participation in the UN is the natural and logical next step. This is important to the people of Taiwan; it is eminently practical and essential for the welfare of the UN itself.
Let's look at the logical aspects. The UN was never meant to function as an elitist, exclusive club. Universality has proved to be both the virtue and the practical necessity of its effective operation. The organisation's goals, and the means for achieving those goals, depend upon the broadest possible cooperation among all who adhere to its principles.
With the ROC's economic and democratic status what it is today, there is no realistic justification for exclusion. If national division by itself was a disqualification, neither Germany nor Korea could have entered the UN in years past. Taipei's preponderant de facto relationships with the vast majority of the world's other nations--commercial, political and otherwise--far outweigh any diplomatic technicalities.
The ROC's participation in the UN would enhance that organisation's prestige and relevance, just as it would lend credibility to what ought to be a truly representative global forum. Furthermore, it could significantly bolster the UN's assets, at a time when that body's financial resources and international missions are seriously challenged.
With logic, reality and both organisational and global interests all arguing in its favour, ROC participation in the UN is a concept whose time has come. The UN's acquiescence in our bid will also constitute endorsement of Taiwan's recent sweeping democratic reform initiatives and continuing social and political process. As such, it will help ensure further stability prosperity and liberalisation on Taiwan.
Furthermore, our participation in the UN will promote rather than hinder China's unification. For our continued exclusion from the international community will only aid and abet the agitation for Taiwan's independence. I believe, ultimately, our participation in the UN will facilitate peace and reconciliation across the Taiwan Strait as well. It is time to move forward, without delay.
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