US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged all members of the UN to support Taiwan's participation in the organization. Blinken said on Tuesday that Taiwan is a key partner to the US and a model democracy, and that it is now more important than ever for Taiwan to play a meaningful role in the UN.
This is not the first time Blinken has voiced his stance on Taiwan's participation in international organizations. In May, he supported Taiwan's bid to join the WHO, and he spoke out on Taiwan's behalf again in September, during the annual UN General Assembly debates.
Meanwhile, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Taiwan Rick Waters also supports Taiwan's inclusion in the UN and says that China has abused its position to pressure the organization to reject Taiwan.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Joanne Ou says that President Joe Biden's administration has repeatedly stood up for Taiwan against China, and publicly expressed its support for Taiwan in the international community. She said that actions are significant as Taiwan wards off threats from China to its democracy.
Ou says that representatives from the US and Taiwan held a video conference last week to discuss foreign policy, public health, national security, and climate change. She said that these discussions further strengthened ties between Taiwan and the US, as well as both sides' commitment to protect freedom and democracy in the world.