Taiwan: Nation-State or Province?

Nations in any form and has veto power over its admission. It has the support of the United States Department of State and many other governments for this position. On the other hand, the United Nations allows representation of non-nation-state representatives and, in the new world order, is endeavoring to be more universal.

Taipei charges that not being allowed a voice in the U.N. and other bodies is based on a "myth" (reminding one of the argument used to support Beijing's application in the 1960s) that Taiwan does not exist. It says that its exclusion is a violation of the human rights of its 21 million people; it further claims that its being the only nation in the world that is denied membership is not consonant with inclusive and nondiscriminating ideals of these organizations. Similarly, Taipei notes that it is a democratic nation and does not deserve the treatment it has received from the world body.

Taiwan has won increasing sympathy for its efforts to participate in international organizations. Its financial clout, particularly its foreign exchange holdings and the volume of its trade, seem to ensure that it will gain admission to some financial groups. Reason would also suggest it be allowed membership in regulatory organizations, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (in view of the fact that Taiwan is a major producer of nuclear energy) and environmental and other such organizations. Notwithstanding the long odds of a breakthrough on this issue, Taipei might win admission to some important international organizations such as the World Trade Organization--maybe even some kind of participation, short of full membership, in the United Nations.

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