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Paraguay, Palau Urge Taiwan’s Inclusion at United Nations Debate

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Taiwan’s diplomatic allies used the United Nations General Debate on Wednesday to advocate for the country's participation in the international body. Paraguayan President Santiago Peña said Taiwan could contribute to peace, development and human rights, arguing that its exclusion weakens the UN system. Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr. also called for Taiwan’s meaningful participation, criticizing the continued marginalization of the country's 23 million people. Both leaders said Taiwan’s inclusion would strengthen international cooperation. Taiwan has been excluded from the UN since 1971, when a resolution transferred China’s UN seat from Taipei to Beijing.

Allies Press for Taiwan at UN

Paraguay, Palau presidents urge inclusion in world body

REPORTER:
Taiwan’s diplomatic allies used the UN General Debate on Wednesday to call for the country’s participation in the international body.

Santiago Peña (PARAGUAYAN PRESIDENT):  
Taiwan has concrete contributions to make to peace, development, and human rights. Excluding it doesn't serve to strengthen the system. It deprives the system of capacities that could benefit us all. And it is a stain on the United Nations.

Peña said his country's seven-decade alliance with Taiwan is rooted in shared values, not political calculation. Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr. echoed that message. He criticized the UN's continued marginalization of Taiwan's 23 million people. Both leaders argued that Taiwan's participation would strengthen, rather than weaken, the international system.

Surangel Whipps Jr (PALAUAN PRESIDENT):  
We stand with like-minded partners in calling for the reversal of misrepresented interpretations of the rules and procedures that have constrained Taiwan's meaningful participation in this body.

Taiwan has been excluded from the UN since 1971, when a resolution recognized the People’s Republic of China as the only representative of China.