B y D E V N E T J a p a n advisor Takamasa ISHIZUKA
The Transformation of International Order and Challenges to the UN System In today’s international political, economic, and diplomatic arena, America’s “America First” policy and the retreat of its international leadership have become prominent, and the world is facing a major turning point. In particular, the high-tariff policies promoted under the Trump administration have shaken the free trade system built after World War II and have had serious impacts on the economic development of developing countries. These protectionist tendencies contradict DEVNET’s principle of “Trade for Peace.”
Amid dramatic changes in the international situation, there is a call for fundamental transformation of the United Nations system, which was established for post-war world reconstruction and peace maintenance. Can the current UN respond effectively to an international environment that differs greatly from the time of its founding? And who will become the true director of this “UN theater”?
China’s Rise and the Historical Background of the Taiwan Issue—From the Perspective of “Trade for Peace” When viewed through the lens of the “Trade for Peace” concept, which holds that free and fair trade promotes peace, the China-Taiwan issue provides an important case study in international trade and cooperation. In 1971, through Henry Kissinger’s diplomatic strategy, the seat of permanent member of the UN Security Council was transferred from the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the People’s Republic of China. However, this historic transition had a significant procedural problem. This decision was made without the prior recommendation of the Security Council as stipulated in Article 6 of the UN Charter.
Furthermore, “Resolution 2758” submitted by Albania determined Taiwan’s expulsion by a simple majority vote rather than the special resolution requiring a two-thirds majority as required by Article 18, Paragraph 2 of the UN Charter. This decision could be considered a remote cause of China’s international rise, the decline of U.S. leadership, and the current global turmoil, creating a situation where the principles of “Trade for Peace” are not sufficiently respected in international relations.
Since then, China has consistently blocked Taiwan’s participation in international organizations such as the WHO, citing “Resolution 2758” as justification. This has continued to prevent the utilization of Taiwan’s expertise and experience in areas important to developing countries, such as global health and climate change mitigation. Such exclusion runs counter to the goals of comprehensive international cooperation and strengthening mutual interdependence advocated by “Trade for Peace.”
Taiwan’s Current Status and Contribution to International Cooperation—As a Practical Example of “Trade for Peace” Currently, Taiwan (population 23.5 million) has diplomatic recognition from only about 12 countries worldwide. Many of these are developing countries that receive economic cooperation and technical assistance from Taiwan. Despite having an economy larger than Argentina’s and one of the world’s leading semiconductor production capabilities, Taiwan’s voice in the international community remains severely limited.
Notably, Taiwan has a proven track record of providing high-quality support to developing countries in agricultural technology, medical technology, and education for many years. Taiwan’s approach to international cooperation embodies DEVNET’s “Trade for Peace” principle and is an excellent example of simultaneously achieving peace-building and economic development through trade and technical cooperation. If Taiwan’s experience and technology could be shared through international organizations, more effective international cooperation based on the principles of “Trade for Peace” would be possible.
Considerations from the Perspective of the UN Charter—The Institutional Foundation of “Trade for Peace” Taiwan was excluded from the United Nations without going through formal expulsion procedures, in the form of a substitution of representation. There are arguments that the current situation, where 23.5 million Taiwanese residents are excluded from the UN system, contradicts the UN’s principle of universality. This exclusion hinders the construction of the comprehensive and fair international order that “Trade for Peace” presupposes.
Importantly, UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 does not explicitly mention Taiwan’s political status. China’s claim that Taiwan is part of China based on this resolution can be seen as an interpretation that goes beyond the content of the resolution. In recent years, the United States has also strongly criticized China’s misuse of this resolution. From the perspective of “Trade for Peace,” such political exclusion limits the possibilities for international trade and cooperation and undermines opportunities for peace-building.
Protectionist Policies and the Concept of “Trade for Peace”
The high-tariff policy promoted by the Trump administration and currently in effect violates the basic principles of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and weakens the international trade system established after World War II. DEVNET recognizes that such protectionist policies hinder the economic growth of developing countries and ultimately threaten world peace. The concept of “Trade for Peace” is based on the idea that fair and open trade strengthens interdependence among nations and reduces the likelihood of conflict. While we understand that the purpose of high tariff policies is to promote domestic industry in the United States, is the transition to a new order not too hasty?
DEVNET firmly believes that maintaining a free and fair trade system is essential for the sustainable development of developing countries and global peace.
Expanding Role of NGOs and New Forms of International Cooperation—As Practitioners of “Trade for Peace” As political conflicts and institutional constraints between nations continue, the role that NGOs like ours can play in filling the gaps between nations will become increasingly important in the future. Even when diplomatic relations at the government level are constrained, NGOs can continue direct humanitarian assistance, technical cooperation, and educational exchanges. Particularly in supporting developing countries, the flexibility to respond to local needs beyond political barriers is NGOs’ greatest strength.
Based on the principle of “Trade for Peace,” DEVNET counters the adverse effects of high-tariff and protectionist trade policies and supports the establishment of fair trade relations between developing and developed countries. The combination of economic development and peace-building through trade forms the foundation of a sustainable international society.
NGOs can also play an important bridging role in cooperation with regions excluded from international organizations, such as Taiwan. Organizations like DEVNET, based on the principles of “Trade for Peace,” have a mission to overcome divisions in the international community and deliver truly needed support.
Conclusion: The Future of the UN Theater and Its True Director—The Outlook for “Trade for Peace” Taiwan is a de facto nation with its own constitution, government, military, and territory, and continues to provide technical cooperation and humanitarian assistance that contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its contributions should be properly evaluated by the international community as being in line with the principles of “Trade for Peace.”
For the United Nations to establish trust as a guardian of world peace and justice, it needs the collective wisdom and action of UN member states regarding the China-Taiwan issue. To fulfill the UN’s mission of supporting sustainable development in developing countries, it is essential to promote the participation of entities with technological capabilities and experience, such as Taiwan, in international cooperation. This is an important step toward realizing the principles of “Trade for Peace.”
Based on the principle of “Trade for Peace,” DEVNET opposes high-tariff and protectionist trade policies and supports the maintenance and strengthening of a fair and open trade system. We are convinced that strengthening economic interdependence between nations reduces the possibility of conflict and brings sustainable peace and development.
How will the member countries, who are the cast in the United Nations theater, combine their strengths and demonstrate wisdom and action? Which country will be the true director, or can the UN itself become a great director? And what new roles will NGOs operating beyond national frameworks play in practicing the principles of “Trade for Peace”? Under the principle of “Trade for Peace,” DEVNET will continue to develop activities aimed at improving the lives of people in developing countries and realizing world peace.