Taiwan supporters march in New York for U.N. inclusion

New York, Sept. 12 (CNA) More than 100 Taiwanese Americans, Taiwanese lawmakers and members of civic groups marched through New York City on Saturday to call for the inclusion of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in the United Nations, with the U.N. envoy of the Marshall Islands, John Silk, joining the event to show support.

Participants chanted "UN for Taiwan" and "Keep Taiwan Free" as they marched through central Manhattan, passing Times Square and Bryant Park before ending near the New York Public Library. The annual march brought together Taiwanese community groups from across the U.S. East Coast.

Silk, permanent representative to the U.N. of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, expressed hope that Taiwan would one day be able to participate in U.N. meetings as a member, saying that was a goal shared by Taiwan, the Marshall Islands and the international community.

The march was headed by Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmaker Wang Yi-chuan (王義川) and Shih Shu-hua (史書華), head of the Taiwan United Nations Alliance.

Wang told CNA that the annual march provides an opportunity for Taiwan to make its voice heard near the U.N. headquarters.

Many foreign passersby stopped to take photos or videos and gave the marchers a thumbs-up when they heard the "UN for Taiwan" chants, he said. "This is a very good opportunity to promote Taiwan."

Wang said Taiwan is part of the international community and has gained global attention for its semiconductor and technology industries.

He expressed hope that the campaign would continue to ensure Taiwan's voice is heard by U.N. member states and eventually help pave the way for Taiwan to join the organization under its own name.

In addition to Saturday's march, Taiwan's government is also conducting promotional activities in the Big Apple during the ongoing U.N. General Assembly session to raise international awareness of its exclusion from the U.N. system.

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said it will continue to seek international support for Taiwan's participation in U.N. activities and related organizations.

The 81st Session of the U.N. General Assembly opened on Sept. 8, with the high-level General Debate scheduled for Sept. 22-28.