By Martin Banks

Brussels, Belgium-Alexander Tah-Ray Yui, Taiwan’s ambassador to the EU and Belgium, has made an impassioned plea for his country to be allowed to take part in the upcoming international conference on climate change.

The event, COP28, takes place in UAE from 30 November to 12 December but a notable absentee is Taiwan which is not expected to be represented due to political pressure from China.

China sees Taiwan as a “province” of the mainland but Taiwan sees itself as distinct from the Chinese mainland, with its own constitution and democratically-elected leaders.

Taiwan is currently excluded from taking part in many international

Alexander Tah-Ray Yui, newly-arrived Representative Taipei Representative Office in the EU and Belgium, told this website that “since climate challenges similarly know no borders and demand a collective international response, it is critical that the global approach to climate change encompasses the spirit of comprehensive inclusion and cooperation. In confronting the global and existential threat of climate change, international unity must be non-negotiable.”

The ambassador, who recently took up his post and is Taiwan’s top envoy to the EU, added,”As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan is committed in the fight against climate change and has implemented a range of policies to this end.”

“Just over the course of the last year, the government codified the 2050 net-zero emissions goal into law, upgraded the Environmental Protection Administration to the Ministry of Environment, and established the Taiwan Carbon Solution Exchange. Taiwan’s exclusion from the UNFCCC means a loss of the valuable contributions of Taiwanese expertise to the global environmental efforts, as we seek to move towards a more sustainable future for all.”

The Brussels-based diplomat said, “It is important for us that like-minded countries and lawmakers across Europe continue to publicly express support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the UNFCCC, as well as other international organisations.

“The growing support for Taiwan’s international participation over recent years only goes to demonstrate the increasing global recognition of the important and constructive role that Taiwan can play in these, and also in many other areas. The international community should place cooperation above politics when it comes to vitally important global issues such as climate change. Every capable nation, regardless of political interference, must be given an equal opportunity to work together and address these crises.”

The ambassador, a former vice minister of foreign affairs, said, “support for Taiwan’s international participation is deeply appreciated by the government and people.”

“Taiwan will continue to seek deeper involvement in organisations such as the UNFCCC, and encourages other like-minded partners to speak up for Taiwan, particularly in arenas where the country has no voice of its own.”

“Meanwhile, Taiwan will continue to work directly with the EU and Member States to develop greater cooperation on pressing issues of global importance.”