Taiwan has yet to receive an invitation to the Interpol General Assembly in Bali, Indonesia in November. That’s the word from the deputy commissioner of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, Lu Chun-chang, on Thursday. Interpol is the world’s largest police organization.
The news comes after Taiwan was not invited to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) forum that began on Wednesday. China’s opposition to the new government of President Tsai Ing-wen is understood to be the cause of Taiwan’s exclusion. The country attended the last ICAO forum three years ago as an observer. That was at a time when cross-strait ties had thawed under the previous Ma Ying-jeou administration.
Lu said nothing has been heard from Interpol even though earlier this year, the US Congress unanimously passed a bill to support Taiwan’s participation in the organization. Taiwan’s allies have also shown support, Lu said. When asked, Lu said he is not clear if China is the party causing obstruction.