Taiwanese overseas Chinese in Vancouver support Taiwan’s entry into the UN, while Lai Ching-te criticizes China for misinterpreting UNGA resolutions

Members of the Taiwanese community in Vancouver have joined this year’s “UN for Taiwan” campaign with a car formation visible from the air to demonstrate their support ahead of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly which begins at the UN headquarters in New York tomorrow.

Organizers helped 45 vehicles park to spell out “TW” in a parking lot near Vancouver on Saturday, with each vehicle displaying the flag of the Republic of China (ROC).

Participants dressed in flag-themed clothing, waved ROC flags, chanted slogans supporting Taiwan’s inclusion in the UN and displayed signs with the slogan “Chip in with Taiwan.”

Event organizer Chang Chien-hung said that vehicles in the rally featured custom license plates including “TAIWAN,” “TAIPEI,” “NEW TPE” and “TW88,” demonstrating the Taiwanese community’s deep connection to their homeland.

“Although we are in Canada, our hearts are always with Taiwan. Taiwan’s entry into the UN remains one of our most earnest hopes,” he said.

“In the era of artificial intelligence, Taiwan’s semiconductor industry underpins the world, and Taiwan is eager to contribute more globally,” said Liu Yung-chiang, co-chair of the Metro Vancouver Overseas Taiwanese Society.

Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Vancouver Director Liu Li-hsin said Canada values sustainability, green energy and gender equality — progressive ideals that are strengths of Taiwan and core UN objectives.

Taiwan’s inclusion in the UN would enable the nation to contribute even more to the global community, she added.

The General Debate of the 81th session of the UN General Assembly takes place from Sept. 22 to Sept. 28, themed “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All.”

“Delivering for all” means leaving no one behind, and Taiwan is an important and responsible member of the international community, she said.

The 23.5 million people of Taiwan are willing to fulfill their responsibilities as global citizens, and their rights and interests should not be overlooked, she added.

In Taipei, President William Lai on Saturday said China deliberately misinterprets UN Resolution 2758 to claim sovereignty over Taiwan.

During his speech at a Lawyers’ Day banquet hosted by the Taiwan Bar Association, Lai said the resolution only addressed the issue of China’s representation at the UN and has no bearing on Taiwan’s status.

He expressed hope that members of the Taiwan Bar Association would continue speaking up for Taiwan at home and abroad.