Taipei: Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing entry into the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), even as the United States has decided to withdraw from the organization.

According to Focus Taiwan, MOFA released a statement emphasizing its continued efforts, in coordination with the Ministry of Environment and the private sector, to promote Taiwan's involvement in the UNFCCC's meetings and mechanisms. The efforts have reportedly been bolstered by strong backing from allied and supportive countries.

MOFA stated, "Taiwan's goal of participating in the UNFCCC remains unchanged, and we will continue to seek support from allies and like-minded countries to push for the nation's meaningful participation." This was in response to inquiries about whether the recent decision by the U.S. to exit the UNFCCC would impact Taiwan's aspirations.

The U.S. withdrawal was initiated by President Donald Trump, who has signed a presidential memorandum directing the cessation of U.S. participation and funding for 31 U.N. entities and 35 non-U.N. organizations. The White House explained this move as a step to end involvement in international organizations that, according to them, undermine U.S. independence and misallocate taxpayer resources.

Taiwan, known as the Republic of China, was expelled from the United Nations in 1971 when the People's Republic of China took over the China seat. Consequently, Taiwan has been excluded from U.N. specialized agencies, including the UNFCCC. Since 1995, Taiwanese officials have engaged in UNFCCC conferences via the Industrial Technology Research Institute, a government-funded body.