This is my fourth year working in South Africa, during which I have visited various informal settlements and townships across this country. On this land, I have deeply felt the grand vision enshrined in the 1996 Constitution of South Africa—a document widely recognized as the most equal and progressive constitution in the world, which firmly institutionalizes human dignity, equality, and freedom.
I have deeply felt the grand vision enshrined in the 1996 Constitution of South Africa
Coincidentally, in that very same year of 1996, Taiwan held its first direct presidential election. After three decades of democratization, both South Africa and Taiwan have transformed into mature, vibrant democracies. The South African people underwent arduous struggles in pursuit of democracy and freedom, human rights and rule of law; this steadfast commitment to freedom and dignity resonates profoundly with the Taiwanese people’s determination to safeguard our democratic way of life and seek equal participation in the international community. In this spirit, Taiwan’s push for meaningful participation in the United Nations system is not a geopolitical maneuver, but stems from a sincere desire to contribute its unique capabilities to the global family.
Crucially, the Taiwan Strait serves as one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes and a critical lifeline for international supply chains. Over 50% of global maritime trade passes through the Taiwan Strait daily.
Over 50% of global maritime trade passes through the Taiwan Strait daily.
Recognizing this interdependence, Taiwan is deeply grateful for the recent joint statement issued by the foreign ministers of the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, which firmly reaffirmed support for peace across the Strait and explicitly backed Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations. Furthermore, the European Union has reiterated its stance on UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, emphasizing that the text contains only around 150 words and didn’t mentions “Taiwan” at all. The resolution solely determined China’s representation at the UN.
that the text contains only around 150 words and didn’t mentions “Taiwan” at all.
Accordingly, the EU has reaffirmed that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait carry vital strategic significance for global security and prosperity.
These clear statements from the EU and like-minded global partners effectively counter China’s deliberate misinterpretation of UNGA Resolution 2758. China’s attempts to conflate this text with its so-called “One-China principle” aim to legally isolate Taiwan and block its international participation. If left unchecked, this “weaponization” and distortion of UNGA Resolution 2785 could severely undermine the rule-based international order, and even serve as a dangerous pretext for future military action across the Taiwan Strait.
Despite its unjust exclusion, Taiwan remains steadfast as a force for good
Despite its unjust exclusion, Taiwan remains steadfast as a force for good. We possess world-class strengths in advanced manufacturing, disaster preparedness, and public health. In the fields of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in particular, Taiwan stands as a global leader in AI supply chains and semiconductor development. We are committed not only to building secure and resilient tech supply chains, but also to sharing our AI achievements and digital transformation expertise with nations worldwide.
Taiwan has already proven its capacity as a reliable development partner
Supporting Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the UN system offers tangible, transformative benefits to the economic development of South Africa and the broader African continent. Through its Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, Taiwan has already proven its capacity as a reliable development partner—from constructing strategic oil reserve facilities in our African ally Eswatini, to implementing an integrated healthcare information system in Paraguay and partnering with Palau on smart healthcare. By transitioning these proven bilateral successes into UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and multilateral technical cooperation frameworks, Taiwan can directly bring cutting-edge AI applications, agritech, smart healthcare, and green energy technologies to Africa. This will tangibly help African nations cultivate local tech talent, upgrade industrial structures, and achieve leapfrog economic development.
Dr. Khalilur Rahman, President of the 81st UN General Assembly, has designated “restoring trust” and “managing institutional transformation” as the overarching themes of his tenure. Taiwan is deeply inspired by this vision and stands ready to contribute fully to achieving these goals.
Restoring trust in the UN must begin with treating every member of the international community fairly and justly; transformation cannot be complete while a constructive, capable, and trustworthy partner remains unjustly excluded.
We call on the international community to uphold the principles of inclusiveness, leaving no one behind, and settling disputes peacefully. The free world needs Taiwan—and a stronger, more credible United Nations system needs Taiwan’s meaningful participation. Working hand in hand with Taiwan will not only consolidate global collective security, but also foster genuine economic resilience and shared prosperity for South Africa and the world.
Oliver Liao
Representative of Taipei Liaison Office in RSA