NEW YORK, United States — Taiwan’s Caribbean allies have used their addresses at the 81st United Nations General Assembly to call for the island to have a greater voice on the international stage.

China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly blocked efforts for the self-governing island to participate in some international bodies as part of its broader One China policy.

Taiwan, officially the Republic of China, was once a member of the UN until it was expelled on October 25, 1971, when the UN General Assembly passed Resolution 2758. The resolution recognises the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the only legitimate representative of China to the United Nations.

Saint Lucia Prime Minister Philip Pierre said his country supports the “right of all people to self-determination” and supports “Taiwan’s full membership in the United Nations.”

Acting Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis Dr Geoffrey Hanley said the federation remains an advocate for Taiwan to have “meaningful international participation”.

“We continue to support its meaningful participation in the World Health Organisation, the International Civil Aviation Organisation and other relevant mechanisms, and reiterate that differences across the Taiwan Strait must be resolved peacefully,” he said.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Godwin Friday highlighted the country’s 45 years of friendship and diplomatic relations with Taiwan, noting cooperation in areas including public health, disaster response and education.

“Taiwan has shown time and again that they are prepared to be a responsible member of the international community. We renew our call for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations system and its specialised agencies,” he said.

Belize Prime Minister John Briceño also raised concerns about the safety and security of Taiwan’s 23 million residents, while describing Taiwan as a longstanding friend and partner of Belize.

“Our actions must extend to every conflict, and to every person displaced, destitute or in despair. It extends to threats against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of any Member State, as we witness in Ukraine,” Briceño said.

“If borders can be redrawn by force, then every border is provisional. We are concerned, too, for the safety and security of the 23 million people of Taiwan, who have no seat and no voice in this Hall.”

Briceño said Taiwan has worked with Belize for more than three decades, describing the relationship as a partnership that has contributed to climate resilience and strengthened technical capacity in the country’s agricultural and public infrastructure sectors.

He also pointed to Taiwan’s role in global supply chains, including its production of advanced semiconductors and its work in artificial intelligence and other technologies.

“Taiwan’s contribution does not stop at the borders of her small and steadfast allies,” Briceño said.

“Belize calls once more for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations system.”

Taiwan is 12 sovereign states including St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Lucia, Belize and Haiti.

Through its relations with these countries, Taiwan extends millions of dollars every year in assistance through development loans and educational programs.