By: Peyton Chen

Taiwan, known as the Republic of China (ROC), is a vibrant democracy and significant
benefactor to advancing the world. Despite leading and influencing the world to a better future with groundbreaking innovation in the field of technology, Taiwan also plays a major role in fueling the global economy, enhancing health for all, promoting human rights, and enriching the world with its unique culture. Taiwan is a small country by area but a big country in its contributions and aspirations.

Economics
Taiwan is the global leader in technology and innovation, with its semiconductor industry
playing a crucial role in fueling the advancements of the world. The Taiwan Semiconductor
Manufacturing Company (TSMC), deemed the “world’s chipmaker”, makes 90% of the cutting
edge chips used to power electronic devices nearly almost every single human being on earth
uses every day. [1]. This dominance has solidified Taiwan’s importance in the global economy,
yet at the same time, it underscores the paradox of its international recognition. It [Taiwan]
remains excluded from massive international organizations like the United Nations, where it is
evident that they had been unfairly excluded from the UN and other international organizations because of political pressures from China. Eventually passing a resolution in 1971, the organization recognized the People’s Republic of China as the only legitimate representative of China in the UN. Though this did not explicitly mention Taiwan, it had the effect of excluding Taiwan from the UN. Even until now, Taiwan has not been able to participate in the UN as a member. This exclusion demonstrates a broader struggle: although Taiwan’s contributions are essential to the global economy, it is often sidelined politically. If Taiwan had been given formal recognition, it would likely have been able to leverage its expertise and further its aspirations of changing the world for the better.

Effects of Minimal Recognition and Public Health
Taiwan always has been at the forefront of public health. With its rapid and efficient response to the COVID-19 pandemic, it successfully controlled and suppressed the spread of the virus more effectively than any other country. Seen as an example to other nations of how well the virus could be controlled with due cooperation and resourcefulness, Taiwan ameliorated the global effects of the coronavirus. Despite its lack of formal recognition in international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), Taiwan’s public health strategies were shared globally and greatly helped other nations for guidance. [3]. Yet, despite its leadership in this global health crisis, Taiwan remains deliberately shut out of the WHO, all because of political maneuvering by the People’s Republic of China. Taiwan has demonstrated its readiness to lead, but until its rightful recognition is granted, its ability to contribute will be shackled by political forces that deny the world the full potential of
its contributions.

Works Cited

1. “Biden-Harris Administration Announces Preliminary Terms with TSMC,
   Expanded Investment from Company to Bring World’s Most Advanced Leading-
   Edge Technology to the U.S.” U.S. Department of Commerce, 8 Apr. 2024,
   http://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2024/04/biden-harris-administration-
   announces-preliminary-terms-tsmc-expanded.
2. “Where Can I Find Information on the 1971 Resolution Regarding the
   Representation of China at the UN? – Ask DAG!” Ask.un.org,
   ask.un.org/faq/320138.
3. ‌ Winkler, Sigrid. “Taiwan’s UN Dilemma: To Be or Not to Be.” Brookings,
   20 June 2012, http://www.brookings.edu/articles/taiwans-un-dilemma-to-be-or-
   not-to-be/.