The 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) recently concluded in New York, bringing together the global community to confront some of the world’s most pressing challenges. This year’s General Debate, which took place from September 10 to 29, centered around “Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations.” However, in a glaring contradiction to these aspirations, 23.5 million Taiwanese citizens continue to be systematically left behind, excluded from the UN system year after year.

This exclusion is largely the result of China’s deliberate and calculated misrepresentation of UN Resolution 2758. Over the past decades, and with increasing intensity in recent months, Beijing has consistently conflated this resolution with its own “one-China principle,” falsely claiming that it affirms a global consensus that Taiwan is part of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Furthermore, China asserts that the resolution grants it the authority to represent Taiwan within the UN system.

The truth, however, lies in plain sight: a simple reading of Resolution 2758 shows these claims are unequivocally false.

China’s tactic of conflating its political narrative with international law is not just misleading; it actively undermines Taiwan’s sovereignty and denies its people the rightful opportunity to participate in global governance. In response to these falsehoods, Taiwan has launched its 2024 campaign for participation in the UN, emphasizing three key areas. First, Taiwan seeks to counter China’s manipulation of Resolution 2758, particularly regarding its threat to regional stability in the Taiwan Strait and the wider Indo-Pacific. Taiwan’s exclusion is not merely symbolic; it contributes to a precarious geopolitical imbalance that has far-reaching consequences for global peace and security.

Second, Taiwan emphasizes that Resolution 2758 does not preclude its meaningful participation in the UN system. Taiwan’s involvement would undoubtedly enhance the global community’s ability to work toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As one of the most advanced economies in the world, Taiwan is well-positioned to contribute to a wide range of international initiatives, from poverty reduction to climate action. Its exclusion limits the world’s capacity to fully address these global challenges.

Third, Taiwan calls on the UN Secretariat to maintain neutrality and refrain from misapplying Resolution 2758. Specifically, Taiwan is urging the Secretariat to stop erroneously using the resolution to justify excluding Taiwanese nationals and journalists from accessing UN premises for legitimate activities. The notion that the resolution gives China the right to represent Taiwan in the UN is a distortion, one that runs counter to the values and mission of the United Nations itself.

At the heart of the issue is the reality that UN Resolution 2758 does not contain a single reference to Taiwan being part of China. It also does not authorize the Chinese mainland to represent Taiwan in any capacity within the UN system. In fact, the resolution makes no mention of Taiwan whatsoever. Yet, China’s deliberate misrepresentation of this resolution has effectively denied Taiwan a seat at the table in critical international discussions.

In collaboration with its like-minded partners across the globe, Taiwan is working tirelessly to combat the disinformation campaign that seeks to isolate it from the international community. The UN Charter is clear: one of its primary purposes is to foster friendly relations among nations based on the principle of equal rights. By echoing China’s distorted interpretation of Resolution 2758, the UN is undermining this foundational principle and compromising its credibility.

The exclusion of Taiwan from key global forums is not just a moral failing but has tangible consequences. One of the world’s largest economies, Taiwan is notably absent from international processes like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Despite its significant contributions to environmental protection, Taiwan is denied a role in these critical discussions. During COP28 in Dubai, Taiwan reaffirmed its commitment to global climate action by announcing a $10 million contribution to establish the Climate Transition Fund in partnership with four Pacific allies. In a world where the climate crisis transcends borders, Taiwan’s exclusion from such efforts deprives the international community of vital expertise.

Similarly, Taiwan’s exclusion from Interpol creates a dangerous gap in global law enforcement. Despite facing obstacles such as a lack of access to Interpol’s I-24/7 global police communications system and related databases, Taiwan remains dedicated to combatting transnational crime. Its exclusion not only jeopardizes Taiwan’s security but also undermines international efforts to maintain safety and security on a global scale.

The United Nations must recognize that genuine global peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for all future generations cannot be achieved without Taiwan’s full participation in the international community. The continued exclusion of 23.5 million people from global dialogue not only harms the people of Taiwan but also deprives the world of their valuable contributions and expertise. Taiwan’s participation is essential, whether it’s in combating climate change, contributing to global security, or advancing human rights.

As we reflect on yet another UNGA session, it is incumbent upon the international community to address this glaring injustice. The time has come to allow Taiwan to take its rightful place within the UN system, ensuring that the organization’s pledge to “leave no one behind” is more than just an empty promise. Only through Taiwan’s meaningful inclusion can the United Nations fulfill its mission to advance peace, sustainable development, and dignity for all people.