US Lawmakers Urge Taiwan’s Inclusion in ICAO and UN Assembly

US lawmakers from both houses of Congress have called for Taiwan’s participation in the upcoming sessions of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly and the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This initiative, driven by a bipartisan group of legislators, emphasizes the importance of Taiwan’s role in global aviation safety and security.

In a letter addressed to ICAO President Salvatore Sciacchitano, Brian Mast, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, along with Ranking Member Gregory Meeks and 19 other members, urged the organization to formally invite Taiwan to the ICAO Assembly. The assembly is set to begin on September 26, 2023, and will run until October 3, 2023, in Montreal, Canada. The lawmakers argued that Taiwan’s inclusion is not only a matter of equity but also crucial for enhancing global civil aviation safety.

Taiwan administers the Taipei Flight Information Region (FIR), which oversees 18 international and four domestic routes. Last year, the FIR facilitated services from 90 airlines, supporting 285 routes connecting Taiwan to 117 cities. The lawmakers noted that Taiwan’s exclusion from ICAO’s technical meetings prevents it from accessing critical safety information, potentially undermining international aviation standards.

The letter highlighted the increasing tension in the region, pointing out that China has repeatedly encroached on Taiwan’s airspace by unilaterally designating danger zones and conducting military drills. These actions are perceived as inconsistent with ICAO standards and could lead to dangerous aviation incidents, they stated. The lawmakers emphasized that ICAO cannot fulfill its mandate without Taiwan’s experience and perspective.

“Taiwan’s inclusion in the 42nd ICAO Assembly is a matter of US national interest and international aviation security,” the letter asserted. They urged for a prompt invitation to Taiwan, expressing hope for a swift confirmation.

In parallel, US Senators Jim Risch and Jeanne Shaheen, the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued a joint statement supporting Taiwan’s involvement in international organizations. They expressed their concerns regarding China’s misrepresentation of UN Resolution 2758, which facilitated the People’s Republic of China’s entry into the UN while excluding the Republic of China, Taiwan.

The senators clarified that Resolution 2758 only pertains to the representation of the “China” seat at the UN and does not address Taiwan’s political status or its engagement with UN entities. “China has sought to falsely conflate UNGA Resolution 2758 with its ‘one China’ principle,” they stated. “The United States will continue to support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations and reject China’s efforts to rewrite history and diplomatically isolate Taiwan.”

As the UN General Assembly convenes in New York, the statements from US lawmakers signal a clear commitment to advocating for Taiwan’s voice in international arenas, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts in addressing global aviation safety and security concerns. The outcome of these appeals remains to be seen as the international community watches closely.