|
TAIPEI, TAIWAN - TAIWAN will apply to join the United Nations under a new China-friendly president, an official said on Wednesday, but analysts said warming ties will not be enough to stop China blocking Taipei's bid yet again.
Taiwan, which is only recognised by 23 countries, has failed in its previous 15 consecutive UN membership bids due to objections from China, which has claimed the self-ruled island as its territory since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949.
Beijing opposes Taiwan's participation in any body that requires statehood as a condition for membership.
Foreign ministry spokesman Henry Chen said that Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou's new administration plans to apply again next month, but said details are still being worked out.
'We are studying options of under what name and in what form we'll submit the application,' said Mr Chen. 'Joining the UN is our long-term project. It would not be easy, but we have to listen to our people and do what they want.'
Taiwan's efforts to join the United Nations under previous President Chen Shui-bian, who had a stormy relationship with Beijing, drew strong opposition from China and also displeased the United States, which feared heightened cross-strait tension.
The island's business ties with Beijing have improved since Ma took office in May, but that is still not expected to be enough to tip the balance.
'Beijing will definitely reject the bid. They are not going to change their position just because Ma is in office,' said Mr Hsu Yung-ming of Taipei-based Academia Sinica.
Taiwan, formally known as the Republic of China, was expelled from the United Nations in 1971 in favour of Beijing's People's Republic.
Washington recognises China and has no diplomatic ties with Taiwan, but is obliged under the Taiwan Relations Act to help the island defend itself.
| 
