Former US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley called on the international community to provide more support for Taiwan and coordinate efforts to counter China’s sovereignty claims over the democratic self-governing island. Speaking at the Ketagalan Forum in Taipei, Haley urged the United States to elevate Taiwan’s status on the world stage, emphasizing that Taiwan should no longer be deprived of a voice in global affairs.
She urged for Taiwan to be granted official membership in the United Nations. The forum held in Taipei focused on security issues in the Asia-Pacific region. Haley expressed concerns over China’s continuous expansion of its defense budget and military capabilities with the aim of annexing Taiwan, noting that the Taiwan Strait is facing its most dangerous moment in decades.
For years, China has blocked Taiwan from having representation in international organizations, claiming authority over Taiwan despite never having governed it, and threatening to use force if necessary to bring Taiwan under its control. China also prohibits countries with diplomatic relations with Taiwan from establishing formal diplomatic ties.
Haley, who served as US ambassador to the UN during the administration of former President Donald Trump and was a candidate for the presidency, emphasized the importance of US and Western allies standing together on the Taiwan issue. She called for unwavering efforts to ensure Taiwan receives worldwide recognition.
She stated, “If we take the necessary steps now, China (the CCP) will hesitate before starting a war.”
Former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda also spoke at the forum, echoing Haley’s call to increase Taiwan’s representation in international organizations. He criticized the exclusion of Taiwan from the World Health Organization and expressed determination to promote Taiwan’s observer status in the organization despite China’s opposition.
Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen earlier accused China of using economic coercion and military intimidation against Taiwan. In his opening remarks at the forum, he stressed the importance for democratic countries to unite and take concrete actions to resist the expansion of authoritarianism.
Tsai stated, “China intends to change the rules-based international order, that’s why democratic countries must stand together and take tangible actions, because only through collective efforts can we suppress the expansion of authoritarianism.”
As tensions in the Taiwan Strait escalate, the Taiwanese government continues to emphasize the importance of strengthening defense capabilities and enhancing cooperation with international partners, especially with the United States, to ensure the continued prosperity and stability of the region.
According to Radio Free Asia, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to organize a bipartisan delegation to the US during the Democratic National Convention this week, inviting former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to visit Taiwan again, following her visit in August 2022.
While the United States does not formally recognize Taiwan, it remains Taiwan’s strongest supporter and provider of arms.
(Information sourced from The Associated Press)