Taiwan seeks RI's help at UN

JAKARTA: Taiwan, a country of 23 million people, is seeking Indonesia's help for its bid to join the United Nations and maintain peace in the volatile Taiwan Strait, the head of the Taipei Economic and Trade Office (TETO) in Jakarta said.

Taiwan's allies proposed two draft resolutions on Aug. 12 -- Taiwan's UN membership and a proactive role of the UN in maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait -- to the United Nations General Assembly. This year's annual UN General Assembly session will begin on Sept. 13.

"We are hoping that Indonesia will voice some support for the two draft resolutions. In case Indonesia cannot support the first draft resolution, it can express some concern over the peace and security of the Taiwan Strait," Taiwan's trade representative in Indonesia and the head of TETO David Y.L. Lin said.

David is realistic about Indonesia's support for its UN bid given the latter's One China Policy. Indonesia does not have any diplomatic relations with Taiwan. That's why he is asking Indonesia's help in convincing the UN to play a role in maintaining peace and security in the Taiwan Strait.

"We need to strengthen peace and security in the region. We can maintain peace in Taiwan. Indonesia can express some concern about rising military tension in the Taiwan Strait," David said. -- JP