- Date：2022-10-18
- Data Source：Department of International Organizations
October 18, 2022
MOFA response to INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock’s comment that Taiwan cannot be granted observer status, which was made at an October 17 press conference for the 90th General Assembly
The 90th General Assembly of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTEPROL) took place in New Delhi, India, from October 18 to 21, 2022. Despite its continued appeal, the Republic of China (Taiwan) was still unable to attend the Assembly. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) expresses profound regret and dissatisfaction that INTERPOL has taken political considerations over professional policing, disregarding Taiwan’s practical need to participate in INTERPOL and ignoring Taiwan’s pragmatic appeal for its meaningful participation.
MOFA reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent democratic state. The Republic of China (Taiwan) is not subordinate to the autocratic People’s Republic of China (PRC). Taiwan is never a part of the PRC. The PRC cannot and has no right to represent Taiwan in the international arena. Taiwan has operated an independent, comprehensive and effective police system from the PRC. Taiwan is crucial to the international security network. And Taiwan is willing and able to contribute to the global efforts in fighting transnational crime. However, due to PRC’s political interference, Taiwan is unable to receive updated and timely criminal intelligence to safeguard border security and enforce law and order.
MOFA and Taiwan’s Criminal Investigation Bureau will continue to collaborate with its diplomatic allies and like-minded countries to appeal for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in INTERPOL meetings, mechanisms, and other activities, including access to the I-24/7 global police communications system and INTERPOL training programs. Taiwan will continue conveying to the international community its determination for inclusion in INTERPOL. Even in the face of challenges and adversity, Taiwan will not give up, but, instead, continue to seek broader and stauncher international support for it to combat transnational crime with the global partners in order to create a safer world.
