No logic to Taiwan’s exclusion from ICAO assembly

This September, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) will convene its 41st assembly, a triennial event held in Montréal. The United Nations regulatory agency, with the slogan “no country left behind,” was established to help set international policies and standards that ensure that air travel is conducted safely and efficiently across borders and through a myriad of airspaces. For most countries, that is precisely what ICAO does. Most countries, that is, other than Taiwan, which for political reasons is often unfairly excluded from the agency, its meetings, and its functions. Beyond setting policies and standards, ICAO develops and communicates vital information between countries during contingencies such as global pandemics. And it serves as a fulcrum for the facilitation and dissemination of best practices for the international community. The system, like all other global systems, works best when it is truly global, and all parties are included. The more countries that are excluded from agencies like ICAO, the weaker its effectiveness, and the greater the odds of harmful gaps. Winston Wen-yi Chen is the representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Canada. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia Taiwan attended the ICAO assembly meeting in 2013 as a guest of the ICAO council president. However, following the growing pressure by Beijing to isolate Taiwan from the international community, ICAO stopped inviting Taiwan to the assembly meetings in 2016 and 2019, despite Taiwan’s best efforts. Despite being excluded from ICAO, Taiwan maintains high global standards for aviation safety. Taiwan provides services to more than 72 million passengers annually, serving as an integral hub for travellers and trade in East Asia. Taoyuan Airport is one of the world’s busiest airports. A long-time leader in the Asia-Pacific in terms of the adoption of new technologies and best practices, Taiwan is among the first in the region to implement communications, navigation and surveillance systems. Perhaps more importantly, Taiwan is also a co-operative and responsible stakeholder in the international community. Already, non-governmenal organizations, non-UN recognized states, and various stakeholders participate in ICAO meetings and assemblies. There is no logical or moral rationale that would justify Taiwan’s exclusion. Mario Ste-Marie is former executive director of the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei. Photograph courtesy of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Canada Taiwan’s participation in international mechanisms has become a focus of attention for major democracies around the world. In the example of this year’s World Health Assembly (WHA), support for Taiwan has significantly increased. Canada and like-minded countries have voiced support for Taiwan during the WHA plenary session. The Group of Seven (G7), of which Canada is a member, has again advocated Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the World Health Organization and the WHA in the foreign ministers’ communique. The G7 health ministers’ communique, on the other hand, mentioned Taiwan for the first time. It is heartening to see consensus among Canada and like-minded countries to rise above political pressure to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of all people. When it comes to including Taiwan in ICAO, global interest shall also triumph over political difference. Taiwan would be especially grateful for the multi-partisan support of this cause by Canadian Parliamentarians, and action by the Canadian government to urge new ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar to consider giving Taiwan access to ICAO. Montréal is the world capital of civil aviation. That speaks volumes to Canada’s importance in international air transportation. Early in June, Chinese warplanes engaged in dangerous behaviour against Canadian aircraft–behaviour that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau characterized as “irresponsible and provocative.” A country that is so willing to so frequently use wanton aggression against aircraft from other countries cannot be allowed to dictate who sits at the ICAO table. Canada has a powerful voice in helping inform the conscience of the international community when it comes to this issue. Winston Wen-yi Chen is the representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Canada. Mario Ste-Marie is former executive director of the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei. The Hill Times