Taiwan Intensifies efforts for Inclusion in ICAO and UN
Taiwan’s government is actively pursuing participation in both the International Civil Aviation Institution (ICAO) and the United Nations (UN), emphasizing its commitment to flight safety and its crucial role in regional and global aviation. Officials outlined a multi-pronged strategy involving diplomatic outreach, international advocacy, and clarifying the scope of UN Resolution 2758.
Deputy Minister of Transportation and Communications Lin Kuo-hsien highlighted the ICAO’s strategic plan, “safe Skies, Sustainable Future” (2026-2050), and stressed that Taiwan’s inclusion would contribute to a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive global civil aviation system. CAA Director-General Ho Shu-ping, in a letter to ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano, argued that Taiwan’s participation aligns with the ICAO’s goal of a “seamless sky” and would showcase its leadership in aviation development and management.
Taiwan operates the Taipei flight information Region (FIR), a vital component of the global network of over 300 flight information regions overseen by the ICAO. The Taipei FIR handled over 1.85 million flights in 2019, and approximately 1.65 million in 2023, serving as a critical transport intersection between northeast and Southeast Asia. Lin emphasized that Taiwan consistently fulfills its responsibilities in maintaining flight safety, stating, “flight safety is without borders.” The CAA adheres to ICAO standards and provides high levels of safety and service within the Taipei FIR.
To bolster its case, Minister of Transportation and Communications Chen Shih-kai has authored opinion pieces for distribution to international media, urging support for Taiwan’s ICAO inclusion. A dedicated action team, led by CAA Deputy Director-General Lin Jiunn-liang and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), is being dispatched to Montreal, where the ICAO is headquartered. prior to this, CAA officials engaged in explanatory visits to Japan and other friendly nations last year.The establishment of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Montreal in 2023 is intended to facilitate interaction with like-minded countries and garner support for Taiwan’s bid.
Parallel efforts are underway to secure support during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, which commenced in New York on September 23rd and continues through September 27th. The government plans to request its diplomatic allies and partners to express support for Taiwan’s inclusion in the UN system through speeches and letters to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
A key aspect of Taiwan’s strategy involves countering what officials describe as Beijing’s “misuse” of UN Resolution 2758. Government spokesperson Ger clarified that the 1971 resolution, which recognized the People’s republic of China as the sole representative of China at the UN, did not address Taiwan’s status and does not authorize the PRC to represent Taiwan within the UN system. “Only the government elected by Taiwanese can represent Taiwan,” Ger stated.
Resolution 2758 resulted in the PRC’s entry into the UN and Taiwan’s (officially the Republic of China) exclusion from the organization and its affiliated agencies, a situation the government is actively working to change.
