For the 11th year in a row, the General Committee of the United Nations has decided not to include on the General Assembly’s agenda a “question of Taiwan’s representation in the U.N.” While we hold no brief for the club of dictators, kleptocrats, and terrorist-sponsoring nations that hold sway at Turtle Bay, it is precisely because the body turns its nose up at a democracy such as Taiwan that the organization is so objectionable. While known terrorist-sponsoring states such as Syria and Libya not only enjoy full rights at the United Nations, but actually sit on its human rights committee, Taiwan fails to be granted even “observer status” at the U.N. World Health Organization — a status that has been attained by the Vatican, the International Red Cross, and the Palestine Liberation Organization.

Delegates of more than 100 countries ad dressed the General Committee last week. More than 20 delegates spoke on behalf of Communist China, which always does its best to make sure that no inkling of Taiwan’s independence is ever spilled. On the roll of shame were Russia and France, who spoke in favor of China’s position not to consider the issue. America, however, can be granted at least observer status on this roll, as it observed the affair without taking sides or speaking up for the Taiwanese democrats. America similarly demurred earlier this year during Taiwan’s seventh bid at the WHO. Taiwan’s ambassador in New York, Andrew Hsia, remains upbeat. “If you listen to the debate, I feel more encouraged,” Mr. Hsia said. “Taiwan is definitely not part of the People’s Republic.” But its 23 million people, living in peace and prosperity and democracy, are still treated is if they are a part of the brutal Communist dictatorship on the mainland.