The ROC is a sovereign state that maintains its own national defense and conducts its own foreign affairs. It has full diplomatic relations with 23 countries and substantive ties with more than 140 others. It is an active member of 28 intergovernmental organizations (IGO), including the World Trade Organization, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum and the Asian Development Bank.
After a major breakthrough in May 2009, Taiwan, through years of effort, is now an official observer at the World Health Assembly of the United Nations’ World Health Organization. It also has observer status in 20 other IGOs and their subsidiary bodies, such as the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development, the Inter-American Development Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Meanwhile, Taiwanese non-governmental organizations (NGO) participate in the activities of over 2,100 international NGOs.
Nevertheless, the ROC is still denied participation in most important international organizations, including the United Nations, and has been unable to establish formal diplomatic relations with many countries, which have opted to recognize the authorities in Beijing. Even so, the ROC is a nation that is fully able and willing to fulfill all the obligations of a member state; is more populous than over three quarters of all countries in the world; is a major economic power; cooperates closely with other governments to combat terrorism and international crime; and, most importantly, is a shining example of a free and democratic society that strives to act in conformance with international covenants on human rights.
Despite limitations on the ROC’s ability to fully participate in important international organizations, it remains committed to pulling its weight in the global community to create a better world. In addition to sharing its economic success experience under the APEC framework and through development programs promoted by the International Cooperation and Development Fund, the nation’s public and private sectors are active in providing humanitarian assistance worldwide. Taiwan International Health Action coordinates global medical missions and about 30 ROC-based NGOs have provided humanitarian relief in 50 countries.
