Overview:
Taiwan's Ambassador to Palau, H.E. Andy Kang-I Chen, argues that Taiwan's exclusion from INTERPOL creates gaps in international law enforcement cooperation and weakens efforts to combat transnational crime. In this opinion piece, he calls on Palau and other democracies to support Taiwan's meaningful participation in INTERPOL, saying stronger intelligence sharing is essential to protecting global security.
By H.E. Andy Kang-I Chen, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the Republic of Palau
In an increasingly interconnected world, crime knows no borders. From cyber fraud and human trafficking to money laundering and organized crime, criminal networks are exploiting emerging technologies and gaps in international law enforcement cooperation. No country, regardless of its size or geographic location, is immune to these threats. Yet, at a time when international cooperation is more essential than ever, Taiwan, a vibrant democracy and a trusted security partner, continues to be excluded from the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL).
This exclusion is not only unfair to Taiwan’s 23 million people; it also creates a dangerous gap in the global security network.
Taiwan and Palau share much more than diplomatic relations. Our partnership is built on common values of democracy, freedom, the rule of law, and respect for human rights. Over the years, our two countries have steadily strengthened cooperation in judicial affairs, law enforcement, and capacity building to address emerging security challenges.
Our recent cooperation in combating illicit drugs is one example of this shared commitment. Taiwan has provided drug testing kits to support Palau’s law enforcement authorities in strengthening their capacity to detect and combat drug-related offenses. Such practical cooperation reflects our common determination to protect our communities and ensure a safer environment for future generations.
However, the security challenges confronting our two nations extend far beyond our borders. Transnational criminal organizations increasingly exploit digital platforms, cryptocurrencies, and sophisticated financial networks to facilitate fraud, money laundering, and human trafficking. Small island nations, including Palau, are not exempt from these growing threats.
Taiwan has demonstrated that it possesses both the expertise and determination to confront these challenges. Its law enforcement authorities have successfully dismantled international fraud networks, strengthened cooperation with foreign counterparts, and developed advanced capabilities in cybercrime investigations and financial intelligence. Taiwan’s contributions to international law enforcement have earned global recognition, including the 2026 Best Egmont Case Award for its outstanding financial intelligence investigation.
Despite these achievements, Taiwan remains excluded from INTERPOL and lacks direct access to its I-24/7 global police communications system. This restriction prevents the timely exchange of critical criminal intelligence and undermines the effectiveness of international law enforcement cooperation.
A global security network is only as strong as its weakest link. Excluding Taiwan does not make the world safer; it creates vulnerabilities that transnational criminals can exploit.
Beyond conventional criminal threats, democracies around the world are also facing growing challenges from authoritarian forces that seek to undermine democratic institutions, exploit international mechanisms, and weaken the rules-based international order.
In recent years, concerns have grown over the misuse of international law enforcement mechanisms for politically motivated purposes, including the abuse of INTERPOL red notices to target individuals across borders. Such practices contradict Article 3 of the INTERPOL Constitution, which strictly prohibits interventions or activities of a political character.
As democratic partners, Taiwan and Palau understand that safeguarding freedom and the rule of law requires not only strong domestic institutions but also international solidarity. Democracies must stand together to ensure that international organizations remain impartial, inclusive, and committed to their founding principles.
INTERPOL’s Constitution explicitly calls for the widest possible mutual assistance among criminal police authorities. Political considerations should never override this fundamental mission.
Neither United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 (1971) nor the resolution adopted at the 53rd INTERPOL General Assembly in 1984 provides a legitimate basis for excluding Taiwan from international affairs or denying its meaningful participation in international law enforcement cooperation. These resolutions should not be misinterpreted or misused to justify Taiwan’s continued exclusion from mechanisms essential to global public safety.
Taiwan is not seeking special treatment. It seeks an opportunity to contribute its expertise, share critical intelligence, and work alongside international partners to combat crimes that threaten people everywhere.
For Palau and other Pacific island countries, stronger international law enforcement cooperation is particularly important. Our geographic isolation, limited resources, and exposure to increasingly sophisticated transnational threats make timely intelligence sharing and trusted international partnerships indispensable.
As Taiwan’s Ambassador to Palau, I have witnessed firsthand the strength of our bilateral partnership and the shared commitment of our peoples to peace, security, and democratic values. Our cooperation demonstrates what can be achieved when like-minded partners work together with mutual trust and a common purpose.
I therefore call upon Palau, fellow democracies, and the broader international community to stand in solidarity with Taiwan and support its meaningful participation as an observer in INTERPOL meetings, mechanisms, and activities, including access to relevant information-sharing systems and professional training.
Supporting Taiwan’s participation is not merely a matter of diplomatic friendship. It is a practical necessity for strengthening global law enforcement, defending the integrity of international institutions, and protecting the safety of people everywhere.
Criminal networks do not recognize political boundaries. Neither should our collective efforts to stop them.
Let us stand together for a safer, more secure, and more democratic world. Let Taiwan contribute to INTERPOL, because global security cannot afford to leave anyone behind. For a safer world, chip in with Taiwan!