[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 149 (Thursday, September 18, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1846]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      ALLOWING TAIWAN TO PARTICIPATE IN UNITED NATIONS ACTIVITIES

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                           HON. SCOTT GARRETT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 2008

  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, when the United Nations 
General Assembly met earlier today, the Secretariat considered a 
request by several of Taiwan's diplomatic allies. These countries asked 
the United Nations to allow the Republic of China (Taiwan) and its 23 
million citizens to have meaningful participation in the activities of 
the specialized agencies of the United Nations.
  By excluding 23 million people from participation in UN-sponsored 
activities, the UN is effectively treating the people of Taiwan as less 
than equals when compared to citizens of other countries. The people of 
Taiwan enjoy the benefits of living in a country that has free 
elections, yet it is certainly unfair for them to be denied access to 
agencies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization.
  In this global economy, no country and no people are an island. 
Information travels fast, epidemics spread equally fast. For instance, 
without membership in the World Health Organization, Taiwan is an 
overlooked area in the global epidemic surveillance network. Continued 
exclusion will only harm the international community.
  Furthermore, Taiwan has the world's tenth largest shipping capacity, 
but it has no access to the meetings of the International Maritime 
Organization and can't acquire first-hand information. There are many 
other instances of the impracticalities of banning Taiwan's membership 
in the international society.
  I am disappointed that the People's Republic of China again blocked 
Taiwan's request. Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou has taken a number of 
steps to improve the relationship with Beijing, including permission of 
direct weekend charter flights between the mainland and the island. It 
is time for the People's Republic to reciprocate by granting Taiwan the 
ability to join certain UN agencies.

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