March in New York urges Taiwan’s inclusion in UN

More than 100 Taiwanese-Americans, Taiwanese lawmakers and members of civic groups on Saturday marched through New York City to call for Taiwan’s participation in the UN, with Marshall Island Permanent Representative to the UN John Silk joining the event to show support.

Participants chanted: “UN for Taiwan” and “Keep Taiwan Free” as they marched through central Manhattan, passing Times Square and Bryant Park before ending near the New York Public Library. The annual march brought together Taiwanese community groups from across the US East Coast.

Silk expressed hope that Taiwan would one day be able to participate in UN meetings as a member, saying that was a goal shared by Taiwan, the Marshall Islands and the international community.

Participants hold banners during a march in New York City on Saturday calling for Taiwan’s inclusion in the UN.

Photo: CNA

In addition to the Taiwan United Nations Alliance (TAIUNA), Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Wang Yi-chuan (王義川), Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Legislator Yeh Yuan-chih (葉元之) and Taiwan People’s Party Legislator Tsai Chun-chou (蔡春綢) also formed a delegation to visit New York. However, the TAIUNA said that only Wang attended the march from start to finish, while Yeh and Tsai were absent.

Wang said the annual march provides an opportunity for Taiwan to make its voice heard near the UN headquarters.

Many passersby stopped to take photos or videos, and gave the marchers a thumbs-up when they heard the “UN for Taiwan” chants, he said.

From left, Belizean Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Kenrick Williams, Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Legislator Yeh Yuan-chih, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York Director Tom Lee, Taiwan People’s Party Legislator Tsai Chun-chou and Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Wang Yi-chuan hold placards during an event in New York on Saturday promoting Taiwan’s inclusion in the UN.

Photo courtesy of the office via CNA

“This is a very good opportunity to promote Taiwan,” he added.

Wang said Taiwan is part of the international community and has gained global attention for its semiconductor and technology industries.

He expressed hope that the campaign would continue to ensure Taiwan’s voice is heard by UN member states and eventually help pave the way for the nation to join the organization under its own name.

In addition to Saturday’s march, the government is also conducting promotional activities in the city during the ongoing UN General Assembly session to raise international awareness of its exclusion from the UN system. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said it will continue to seek international support for Taiwan’s participation in UN activities and related organizations.

The 81st Session of the UN General Assembly opened on Tuesday last week, with the high-level General Debate scheduled for Tuesday next week to Saturday and Sept. 28.