by Brian Iselin
Taiwan’s absence from the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) poses a significant gap in global security, particularly in combating transnational crime. As criminal networks become increasingly sophisticated, international law enforcement cooperation is critical. Interpol plays a vital role in facilitating this cooperation through the exchange of criminal intelligence and real-time responses to global threats. Despite Taiwan’s strategic location in the Asia-Pacific and its capabilities in addressing issues such as cybercrime and human trafficking, it remains excluded from Interpol’s network, a situation that has serious implications for global security.
Historical Context
Taiwan was an original member of Interpol in 1961, participating actively in international law enforcement until political changes led to its exclusion. The pivotal moment came with UN Resolution 2758 in 1971, which transferred recognition of “China” from the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the People’s Republic of China (PRC). This resolution has often been misinterpreted to justify Taiwan’s exclusion from various international organizations, including Interpol. Taiwan officially lost its Interpol membership in 1984 when Interpol recognized the PRC as the sole representative of China.
Since then, Taiwan has been unable to access critical Interpol systems such as the I-24/7 communications network, which is essential for real-time sharing of criminal intelligence. Consequently, Taiwan is forced to rely on informal agreements with individual countries, hampering its ability to track and combat transnational crime effectively.
The Impact of Exclusion
Taiwan’s exclusion from Interpol has tangible consequences for global security. Its geographic location makes it a focal point for numerous illicit activities, including human trafficking and drug smuggling. The lack of access to Interpol’s criminal databases hinders Taiwan’s ability to share and receive vital intelligence, which is crucial for addressing these threats. As criminal networks exploit the information gaps created by Taiwan’s absence, regional security—especially in the Asia-Pacific—becomes increasingly compromised.
The upcoming 2024 Interpol General Assembly presents an opportunity for the international community to reconsider Taiwan’s status. Advocates argue that Taiwan should at least be granted observer status, allowing it to contribute its expertise while benefiting from Interpol’s collaborative frameworks.
Growing International Support
In recent years, there has been a noticeable uptick in international support for Taiwan’s inclusion in Interpol. Over 60 countries expressed support for Taiwan’s bid to attend Interpol meetings as an observer in 2021. Political leaders from the U.S., Europe, and Asia are increasingly vocal about the risks posed by Taiwan’s exclusion, recognizing the need for its participation in international crime-fighting efforts.
U.S. congressional action has been particularly significant, with bipartisan support for bills advocating for Taiwan’s inclusion. Recent legislative efforts aim to develop strategies for obtaining observer status for Taiwan within Interpol, reflecting a broader recognition of the need to enhance Taiwan’s role in global security.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the growing international momentum, challenges remain. The PRC continues to block Taiwan’s attempts to regain a foothold in Interpol, citing its “One China” policy, which regards Taiwan as part of its territory. The influence of China-aligned nations within Interpol complicates the situation further. Countries like the United Arab Emirates, which currently holds the presidency of Interpol, and Brazil, set to take on the role of Secretary-General, may prioritize relations with China over Taiwan’s inclusion.
Additionally, while many larger countries support Taiwan, smaller nations may hesitate to confront China directly due to fears of economic or political repercussions, weakening collective efforts to secure Taiwan’s participation in international organizations.
The Case for Inclusion
The case for Taiwan’s inclusion in Interpol is strong, given the potential global security implications. Taiwan has advanced capabilities in digital forensics, cybersecurity, and anti-trafficking efforts, positioning it as a valuable ally in the fight against international crime. Its exclusion not only weakens Taiwan’s law enforcement but also diminishes the overall effectiveness of global responses to transnational threats.
Taiwan’s strategic location in the Asia-Pacific makes it a crucial player in addressing regional crime. Without access to Interpol’s databases, Taiwan faces significant delays in cooperation with other nations, impacting the efficacy of joint efforts against crimes such as human trafficking and drug smuggling.