US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken issued a Press Statement on October 26 describing Taiwan as a
"democratic success story" and "critical to the global high-tech economy and a hub of travel, culture, and
education". He said "We are among the many UN member states who view Taiwan as a valued partner and
trusted friend". He asserted that "As the international community faces an unprecedented number of
complex and global issues, it is critical for all stakeholders to help address these problems. This includes
the 24 million people who live in Taiwan. Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the UN system is not a
political issue, but a pragmatic one". "Taiwan’s exclusion undermines the important work of the UN and
its related bodies, all of which stand to benefit greatly from its contributions. We need to harness the
contributions of all stakeholders toward solving our shared challenges. That is why we encourage all UN
Member States to join us in supporting Taiwan’s robust, meaningful participation throughout the UN
system and in the international community, consistent with our “one China” policy, which is guided by the
Taiwan Relations Act, the three Joint Communiques, and the Six Assurances".
(Comment: Twice this year, President Biden has made commitments that the U.S. is prepared to defend
Taiwan against a Chinese invasion, but the White House promptly issued clarifications walking back on
his statements and leading to confusion over a high-stakes U.S. national security policy.)
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