The bid not only called for backing from the international community to end the 37-year denial of the island's rights to participate in U.N.-related functions, noting that this would benefit all mankind, but also made clear the hope that Beijing "will also understand the aspiration" of Taiwan, since both sides of the strait are stepping up efforts to improve ties.
While it remains to be seen whether the General Assembly will accept this year's bid--Taiwan's 16th in a row--there is reason to believe it may be better received by members, given the political context and the focus of the bid.
In contrast to last year's application under the name "Taiwan," this year's bid--based on the principles of President Ma Ying-jeou's pragmatic "flexible diplomacy" initiative--left the sensitive moniker issue open and focused on "meaningful participation" in U.N. "specialized agencies," rather than the world body itself. Such agencies of importance identified by the ROC foreign ministry include the World Health Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Maritime Organization.
Recent cross-strait developments such as high-level meetings between ruling party leaders of both sides, direct weekend charter flights and the island's opening up to more mainland tourists suggested the warming of relations. The de-escalation of tensions naturally spells good news for regional neighbors, who can now focus their attentions on Beijing's response toward diplomatic overtures from Taipei. As any rejection of these advances at this point would inevitably be construed as a setback to cross-strait ties, mainland China is expected to treat Taiwan's new U.N. bid with more subtlety, and hopefully, more understanding.
Being the world's 18th largest economy, Taiwan is able to contribute to the success of international organizations, and has in the past, demonstrated a willingness to abide by their standards. There is no doubt that the island deserves its place in the United Nations. While realpolitik is yet to award the country just that, the international community should not hesitate to back Taiwan's bid to participate in U.N. specialized agencies. This would not only ensure the nation's well-being and survival, but also show appreciation for its efforts to thaw the cross-strait freeze and enhance regional prosperity, security and stability.
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