Legislative Yuan President Daniel K.Y. Han receives the six-member 2025 Delegation of Permanent Representatives to the United Nations; President Han: We sincerely appreciate the strong support of our global friends for Taiwan’s international participation.
At 4 p.m. on November 6, President Daniel K.Y. Han (韓國瑜) of the Legislative Yuan received a six-member delegation led by Ambassador John M. Silk, Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to the United Nations. President Han was accompanied by KMT Legislator Adm. Chen Yeong-Kang, DPP Legislator Dr. Wang Cheng-Hsu, TPP Legislator Mai Yu-Chen, and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Ger Bau-Shuan from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
In his remarks, President Han first extended a warm welcome to the delegation on their visit to the Legislative Yuan. He noted that the Legislative Yuan is a unicameral parliament with a total of 113 legislators, and that legislators from all three major political parties were present, fully demonstrating the Legislature’s respect and hospitality toward the delegation. President Han expressed particular appreciation to Ambassador Silk, Ambassador Marcelo Eliseo Scappini, Permanent Representative of Paraguay to the United Nations, and Ambassador Filipo Tarakinikini, Permanent Representative of Fiji to the United Nations, emphasizing that all three ambassadors have long voiced support for Taiwan on the international stage, helping to create greater space for Taiwan’s participation and development in the international community.
President Han went on to address the current international situation, noting that the global landscape is rapidly changing. He added that recent developments, including the Russia–Ukraine war, the Israel–Palestine conflict, tensions between India and Pakistan, and the potential for crisis in Venezuela, have filled the world with uncertainty. President Han said that even as people living on a small island in East Asia, the people of Taiwan closely follow international developments and sincerely hope for a more peaceful and better world.
President Han emphasized that although Taiwan is small in size, its people are passionate and hardworking, demonstrating resilience and a strong fighting spirit. He remarked that Taiwan’s international situation, however, stands in stark contrast, as it remains relatively isolated. For this reason, Taiwan needs the attention and support of international friends to help the world see its efforts and values. President Han also noted that Taiwan is not only known for its semiconductor industry, but also possesses strong international competitiveness in fields such as healthcare, traditional industries, apparel, and sporting goods. He cordially invited the delegates to visit Taiwan often and discover its strengths, assuring them that the people of Taiwan stand ready to work with the international community to promote peace and prosperity.
Ambassador Silk thanked President Han for the warm invitation to Taiwan and stated that the main purpose of the visit was to let the people of Taiwan know that they are Taiwan’s most steadfast friends, who will always speak up for Taiwan in international arenas.
Ambassador Silk noted that the Marshall Islands and Taiwan are both island nations and therefore share an understanding of the challenges of survival. Taiwan, he said, has achieved remarkable success through its emphasis on education and its hardworking spirit. He further stated that according to OECD statistics, Taiwanese students excel in reading, mathematics, and science, and the quality of Taiwan’s workforce ranks among the world’s best—key factors behind Taiwan’s success.
Ambassador Silk also pointed out that Taiwan’s long-standing exclusion from the United Nations (UN) system is deeply unjust. He emphasized that UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 makes no mention of Taiwan and that the international community should not be misled. Ambassador Silk said that the Marshall Islands, Paraguay, and Fiji will continue to speak up for Taiwan and to promote peace, just as Pacific island nations jointly advocate the vision of “a Pacific Ocean of peace,” with the hope that the Indo-Pacific region and the world at large may share in peace and prosperity.
Legislator Chen expressed appreciation to Taiwan’s diplomatic allies for their long-standing and steadfast support for Taiwan’s democracy and regional security, particularly for speaking up for Taiwan within the UN system. He noted that when the UN was founded in 1945, the Republic of China was one of its founding members, and that the core purpose of Resolution 2758 adopted in 1971 was to restore the rights of the People’s Republic of China at the UN, without mentioning the Republic of China or Taiwan. This, he stressed, should be clearly recognized and clarified. Legislator Chen emphasized that Taiwan is a sovereign and independent country and has no relation to Resolution 2758. Legislator Chen further noted that building strong deterrence helps resolve crises, that prevention is more important than crisis management, and that effective deterrence and firm resolve should go hand in hand with dialogue.
Legislator Wang stated that China has deliberately distorted Resolution 2758, resulting in Taiwan’s exclusion from the UN and its affiliated organizations for decades. He called on the international community to recognize and correct this injustice. He shared that in September, he and Legislator Mai joined a cross-partisan Legislative Yuan delegation to New York and took part in activities outside the UN Headquarters to advocate for Taiwan’s inclusion. Unfortunately, the delegates were still unable to enter the UN building, which left him deeply disappointed. Legislator Wang expressed hope that Taiwan’s allies would continue to speak up on Taiwan’s behalf so that Taiwan may gain meaningful participation in international affairs. As a physician, Legislator Wang added, he is keenly aware of Taiwan’s well-developed healthcare system and extensive experience, which Taiwan stands ready to share with the world to advance global health and humanitarian efforts.
Legislator Mai thanked each country for their long-standing friendship and support for Taiwan. She stated that Taiwan values democracy, human rights, and diversity, and continues to connect with the world in economic, cultural, educational, and industrial spheres. Legislator Mai noted that while the UN emphasizes “leaving no one behind,” Taiwan continues to be excluded. Nevertheless, Taiwan has never given up and has consistently contributed to the international community with professionalism and pragmatism—from pandemic prevention and carbon reduction to gender equality and medical technology. Legislator Mai shared that during her visit to New York in September as part of the delegation, she also participated in a parade organized by overseas Taiwanese communities and was deeply moved by the strong desire of Taiwanese around the world to be seen and recognized. As a new immigrant from Vietnam, Legislator Mai emphasized that Taiwan’s inclusiveness reflects the universal values upheld by the UN and expressed hope that Taiwan will one day join the UN to jointly promote global peace and development.
The two sides then engaged in discussions on issues including Taiwan’s international participation. The meeting lasted approximately an hour in a warm and cordial atmosphere and concluded successfully with the exchange of commemorative gifts and a group photo.
In his remarks, President Han first extended a warm welcome to the delegation on their visit to the Legislative Yuan. He noted that the Legislative Yuan is a unicameral parliament with a total of 113 legislators, and that legislators from all three major political parties were present, fully demonstrating the Legislature’s respect and hospitality toward the delegation. President Han expressed particular appreciation to Ambassador Silk, Ambassador Marcelo Eliseo Scappini, Permanent Representative of Paraguay to the United Nations, and Ambassador Filipo Tarakinikini, Permanent Representative of Fiji to the United Nations, emphasizing that all three ambassadors have long voiced support for Taiwan on the international stage, helping to create greater space for Taiwan’s participation and development in the international community.
President Han went on to address the current international situation, noting that the global landscape is rapidly changing. He added that recent developments, including the Russia–Ukraine war, the Israel–Palestine conflict, tensions between India and Pakistan, and the potential for crisis in Venezuela, have filled the world with uncertainty. President Han said that even as people living on a small island in East Asia, the people of Taiwan closely follow international developments and sincerely hope for a more peaceful and better world.
President Han emphasized that although Taiwan is small in size, its people are passionate and hardworking, demonstrating resilience and a strong fighting spirit. He remarked that Taiwan’s international situation, however, stands in stark contrast, as it remains relatively isolated. For this reason, Taiwan needs the attention and support of international friends to help the world see its efforts and values. President Han also noted that Taiwan is not only known for its semiconductor industry, but also possesses strong international competitiveness in fields such as healthcare, traditional industries, apparel, and sporting goods. He cordially invited the delegates to visit Taiwan often and discover its strengths, assuring them that the people of Taiwan stand ready to work with the international community to promote peace and prosperity.
Ambassador Silk thanked President Han for the warm invitation to Taiwan and stated that the main purpose of the visit was to let the people of Taiwan know that they are Taiwan’s most steadfast friends, who will always speak up for Taiwan in international arenas.
Ambassador Silk noted that the Marshall Islands and Taiwan are both island nations and therefore share an understanding of the challenges of survival. Taiwan, he said, has achieved remarkable success through its emphasis on education and its hardworking spirit. He further stated that according to OECD statistics, Taiwanese students excel in reading, mathematics, and science, and the quality of Taiwan’s workforce ranks among the world’s best—key factors behind Taiwan’s success.
Ambassador Silk also pointed out that Taiwan’s long-standing exclusion from the United Nations (UN) system is deeply unjust. He emphasized that UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 makes no mention of Taiwan and that the international community should not be misled. Ambassador Silk said that the Marshall Islands, Paraguay, and Fiji will continue to speak up for Taiwan and to promote peace, just as Pacific island nations jointly advocate the vision of “a Pacific Ocean of peace,” with the hope that the Indo-Pacific region and the world at large may share in peace and prosperity.
Legislator Chen expressed appreciation to Taiwan’s diplomatic allies for their long-standing and steadfast support for Taiwan’s democracy and regional security, particularly for speaking up for Taiwan within the UN system. He noted that when the UN was founded in 1945, the Republic of China was one of its founding members, and that the core purpose of Resolution 2758 adopted in 1971 was to restore the rights of the People’s Republic of China at the UN, without mentioning the Republic of China or Taiwan. This, he stressed, should be clearly recognized and clarified. Legislator Chen emphasized that Taiwan is a sovereign and independent country and has no relation to Resolution 2758. Legislator Chen further noted that building strong deterrence helps resolve crises, that prevention is more important than crisis management, and that effective deterrence and firm resolve should go hand in hand with dialogue.
Legislator Wang stated that China has deliberately distorted Resolution 2758, resulting in Taiwan’s exclusion from the UN and its affiliated organizations for decades. He called on the international community to recognize and correct this injustice. He shared that in September, he and Legislator Mai joined a cross-partisan Legislative Yuan delegation to New York and took part in activities outside the UN Headquarters to advocate for Taiwan’s inclusion. Unfortunately, the delegates were still unable to enter the UN building, which left him deeply disappointed. Legislator Wang expressed hope that Taiwan’s allies would continue to speak up on Taiwan’s behalf so that Taiwan may gain meaningful participation in international affairs. As a physician, Legislator Wang added, he is keenly aware of Taiwan’s well-developed healthcare system and extensive experience, which Taiwan stands ready to share with the world to advance global health and humanitarian efforts.
Legislator Mai thanked each country for their long-standing friendship and support for Taiwan. She stated that Taiwan values democracy, human rights, and diversity, and continues to connect with the world in economic, cultural, educational, and industrial spheres. Legislator Mai noted that while the UN emphasizes “leaving no one behind,” Taiwan continues to be excluded. Nevertheless, Taiwan has never given up and has consistently contributed to the international community with professionalism and pragmatism—from pandemic prevention and carbon reduction to gender equality and medical technology. Legislator Mai shared that during her visit to New York in September as part of the delegation, she also participated in a parade organized by overseas Taiwanese communities and was deeply moved by the strong desire of Taiwanese around the world to be seen and recognized. As a new immigrant from Vietnam, Legislator Mai emphasized that Taiwan’s inclusiveness reflects the universal values upheld by the UN and expressed hope that Taiwan will one day join the UN to jointly promote global peace and development.
The two sides then engaged in discussions on issues including Taiwan’s international participation. The meeting lasted approximately an hour in a warm and cordial atmosphere and concluded successfully with the exchange of commemorative gifts and a group photo.