OPINION:
The 93rd session of the Interpol General Assembly is scheduled from Nov. 24 to Nov. 27 in Marrakech, Morocco. Police chiefs and other senior law enforcement officials will gather at the event to discuss various policing and security issues, including foreign terrorists and cybercrime.
However, among the 196 member nations of the Interpol, Taiwan is absent, despite the fact that the island is a net contributor to international law enforcement.
Taiwan currently relies on the U.S. and other countries to informally pass along Interpol information on relevant criminal activity. Granting Taiwan observer status would promote stability and security in the Asia-Pacific region and assist Taiwan in protecting the safety of its citizens by combating criminal activity through access to Interpol’s global police communications systems.
The continuous exclusion of Taiwan from Interpol runs counter to global efforts to combat terrorism.
As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan is ready, willing and able to play a vital part in the global initiative to thwart acts of terrorism and crime against humanity. As part of Interpol, Taiwan could do even more, and the United States must voice its support for Taiwan’s participation in Interpol to enable the seamless flow of information between international police agencies and effectiveness of coordinated cross-border actions.
With the rise of terrorism around the globe, it is indeed the time Taiwan be allowed to join the 93rd Interpol General Assembly.
KENT WANG
Advisory commissioner for the Overseas Community Affairs Council, Republic of China (Taiwan) in the United States
Potomac Falls, Virginia
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