On September 13th, ten overseas Chinese organizations in the South Bay held a press conference at the South Bay Overseas Chinese Education Center, expressing their united support for Taiwan’s participation in the United Nations. They called on the international community to support Taiwan’s involvement in international organizations and to contribute to democracy.
Participating organizations in the joint statement included the Northern California Taiwanese Professors’ Association, Northern California South Bay Taiwanese Association, Northern California San Jose Taiwanese Community Emergency Relief Association, Northern California Taiwanese School Association, Northern California Taiwanese Forum, San Francisco Bay Area Friends of Taiwan Association, San Francisco Bay Area Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce, San Francisco Taiwan Concern Association, San Francisco Bay Area Taiwanese Youth Chamber of Commerce, and the Association of North American Taiwanese Engineers.
The press conference was presided over by Overseas Chinese Affairs consultant Li Hanwen, who read out the joint statement. The statement emphasized that UN Resolution 2758 only deals with the issue of “representation of China,” and does not address Taiwan’s sovereignty. Although the San Francisco Peace Treaty stipulates Japan’s relinquishment of sovereignty over Taiwan and Penghu, it does not specify the transfer of sovereignty, hence Taiwan’s sovereignty should be determined by the people. The statement pointed out Beijing’s incorrect interpretation of World War II documents and argued that Taiwan should not be excluded from the United Nations and its affiliated NGOs but should at least participate as an observer in international conferences.
Deputy Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco, Zhu Yongchang, stated that as a democratic country, Taiwan has the obligation to represent its more than 23 million people in the United Nations. However, due to the misinterpretation of Resolution 2758 by the Chinese Communist Party, Taiwan has been unjustly excluded from the UN, which is not only Taiwan’s loss but also an international loss. He also reported that the California State Senate unanimously passed Resolution SR 63 supporting Taiwan’s participation in the WHO, ICAO, and other international organizations, and mainstream media have published articles in support of this cause.
Zhuang Yashu, Director of the South Bay Overseas Chinese Cultural and Educational Center, asserted that the United Nations is an international negotiating platform that should not exclude Taiwan. She criticized the CCP’s “bullying” military exercises that disrupt peace in the Asia-Pacific region and highlighted Taiwan’s contributions in semiconductor technology and epidemic prevention. She called on the international community to allow Taiwan to become a member of the international society under this year’s theme “Better Together.”
Representative of the Northern California Taiwanese Professors’ Association, Zhou Xinjie, emphasized that Taiwan possesses the four elements of the people, territory, sovereignty, and government and serves as a democratic model and a key part of the Indo-Pacific strategy. He criticized the CCP’s continuous military provocations, branding them as “troublemakers.”
Secretary-General of the North American Taiwanese Engineers Association, Zhang Zhiyang, metaphorically referred to Taiwan as “Little Red Riding Hood,” facing threats from the “Big Bad Wolf” but bravely moving forward with support from international friends. Vice President of the Youth Chamber of Commerce, Zhou Xuanmao, stated that CCP’s long-term suppression has made Taiwan more united and resilient, eventually leading to its admittance to the United Nations.
President of the South Bay Taiwanese Association, Chen Juncheng, believed that Taiwan’s international visibility is increasing year by year and that through persistence, justice will prevail. Overseas Chinese Affairs consultant Lin Shenyin stressed the importance of attending and supporting such efforts, emphasizing the meaningful mission behind it.
President of the Haihua Baseball and Softball Association, Chen Shengming, pointed out that pressure has made Taiwan stronger, and its advanced technological capabilities underline the importance of U.S. support for Taiwan, giving him confidence in Taiwan’s future. Second-generation Taiwanese-American Michael Tsai stated that Taiwan is crucial in the competition between the U.S. and China, asserting that without Taiwan, there is no future for AI. He emphasized Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s global economic significance, expressing certainty in Taiwan’s success. Former President of the San Francisco Bay Area Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce, Zhang Jiazhou, reiterated the importance of “remembering the initial intention” to continue safeguarding Taiwan. A representative from the San Jose branch of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company emphasized that the CCP poses the “greatest threat” to Taiwan.
Chen Shaoqing, from the Northern California Taiwanese Hall, urged that if the U.S. can support the entry of Palestinian organizations into the UN, it should also support Taiwan. President of the Taiwan Concern Association, Xie Zhenkuan, summarized in English, reiterating that Taiwan has never belonged to China, its more than 23 million people deserve international representation, and appealed to the international community to assist Taiwan in peacefully and democratically integrating into the UN system.