In this interview with OKDIARIO, the Taiwanese ambassador to Spain, José María Liu , lists each of the threats that his country is receiving from China and gives as an example the intimidating flight of 25 Chinese planes in a single day. That is why he asks the international community to support Taiwan in the face of hegemonic expansion and the lack of freedoms and democracy of the communist regime. “For us, the support of the US is indispensable in the face of the threat from China,” says Liu.
Starting with the current state of cross-strait relations, how are the Taiwanese government and people reacting to the continuing threats from the mainland?
On June 15, China sent a total of 28 military aircraft to the Taiwan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) in a single day. It was the first time that such a large squadron had jointly flown over the vicinity of Taiwan. Already on April 12, a group of 25 aircraft did it, also in a single day, and this type of incursion with a clear threatening purpose has already become a common practice. It is the most explicit example of the hegemonic expansion of China and the lack of freedoms and democracy of the communist regime. However, as our President Tsai Ing-wen recently expressed, Taiwan wishes to become a key force in advancing regional peace and prosperity, and stands ready to assume its share of responsibility to ensure regional stability. A recent opinion poll by our Council for Mainland China Affairs shows that more than 80% of Taiwanese think that Taiwan’s only option is to become stronger, more united and more determined to defend itself, strengthening national security, sovereignty and democracy.
Regarding your always good relationship with the US Government, do you think that the concern for Afghanistan could divert the focus of attention and that Taiwan lose importance in the agenda of the Biden Administration?
During a September 13 hearing in the US Congress on the withdrawal of troops in Afghanistan, Secretary of State Antony Blinken once again reiterated Washington’s commitment to Taipei. Asked about China’s attempts to draw parallels between the abandonment of Kabul and relations with Taiwan, he replied that Beijing would love to see Washington trapped in Afghanistan for other decades. And the Indo-Pacific coordinator of the National Security Council, Kurt Campbell, has pointed out that US foreign policy is already shifting the focus from the Middle East to the Indo-Pacific. For us, the support of the United States is indispensable in dealing with the continuing threat and intimidation from China. Proof of their interest and firm commitment to Taiwan is the recent sale of advanced weapons, with which the United States is committed to strengthening our defense system. And for the US and the rest of the world, the role of Taiwan as a “force for good” is also essential to contribute to the joint and global fight not only against the hegemonic expansion of China but also against any type of terrorist threat.
There is great concern at the international level about the difficulties facing the semiconductor industry, which is of great importance in Taiwan. What role does your country play in the current crisis?
The crisis in the semiconductor industry is a clear example of a global industry that affects the entire planet and that is being decisive in the operation of the sector’s international market. Taiwan has become the leading global player and the linchpin of the semiconductor supply chain around the world. Led by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), Taiwan today occupies 63 percent of the world chip market. Only TSMC, the Taiwanese technology giant, accounts for 54 percent of the global market. Taiwan’s development in sectors such as 5G, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, renewable energy and semiconductors is key for the rest of the world. That is why today, the security of the Taiwan Strait is more necessary than ever to protect and secure global supply chains in technology matters.
How do you interpret that the UN, which these days is holding its General Assembly, continues to ignore Taiwan?
The sole reason for such exclusion is pressure from the People’s Republic of China, both the United Nations and its specialized agencies, to continue to exclude Taiwan. And they also do so without a clear and valid argument, only citing Resolution 2758 of 1971 as the legal basis for the exclusion of the Republic of China (Taiwan). But it must be said that such a resolution does not mention China’s claim to sovereignty over Taiwan, much less authorize the People’s Republic of China to represent Taiwan in the UN system. The reality is that the People’s Republic of China has never ruled Taiwan and that the Taiwanese people can only be represented on the international stage by their democratically elected government.
Do you think that the exclusion of Taiwan exposes the founding principles of this organization, that it should try not to leave anyone out?
We have asked UN Secretary General António Guterres to embrace the principles set out in the UN Charter and to consider the long and unfair exclusion of the 23.5 million Taiwanese from the UN system. Taking into account also the good performance of Taiwan in the face of covid-19 and its contribution to the rest of the world, I believe that today more than ever it is time for the UN to welcome Taiwan and consider it for what it is: a partner valuable and worthy, willing and able to cooperate and contribute to international society, just as we have done in keeping with our mottos of “Taiwan can help” and “Taiwan is helping.”
What is the focus of Taiwan’s campaign to claim membership in the UN this year?
This year our Government has focused on showing the international community that Taiwan is ready, willing and able to work together with the rest of the world and contribute to the efforts of the UN to recover from these critical moments for the whole world. We are making three appeals to the UN to (1) take immediate action to address the unjustified exclusion of the 23.5 million Taiwanese from the UN system; (2) immediately rectify its discriminatory policy towards citizens and journalists holding Taiwanese passports, who are denied access, for visits or meetings, to UN facilities, and (3) ensure that Taiwan is granted the right to participate equally and with dignity in meetings, mechanisms and activities related to the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and thus make greater contributions. During the celebration of the UN General Assembly, the Government will organize peripheral activities on topics such as international humanitarian care, sustainable development and epidemiological prevention, thus demonstrating the strong will of Taiwan to contribute to the region and the world in the global fight against the epidemic and post-pandemic recovery. Now is the time for the UN to include Taiwan and, doing justice to the 23.5 million Taiwanese, give it the place it deserves.
If you will allow me to finish, I would like to take advantage of this speaker that OKDIARIO gives me to send a few words of affection and solidarity to the island of La Palma, which is suffering these days from the volcanic eruption that is leaving many homeless and without means of life. inhabitants of the island, and endangering their safety. Taiwan is a small island, and because of our insular nature, and because unfortunately we regularly suffer from natural disasters, such as typhoons and earthquakes, we Taiwanese feel especially close to these families. I want to convey all my encouragement and support, and put myself at your disposal for any help that is in our power to offer. I am sure that, with their effort and with the help of all, the palmeros will succeed. From here, I send you my warmest greetings.
