ILMUNC XLI: Press Corps

Welcome to the official Press Corps section, where we highlight the incredible work of our conference delegates. Throughout the event, these talented writers immersed themselves in the action, capturing key moments, dynamic debates, and groundbreaking resolutions.

From in-depth analyses of committee sessions to exclusive interviews with influential participants, these articles showcase the voices and perspectives that defined the conference. Dive into the stories crafted by our dedicated Press Corps and experience the event through their eyes.

Get ready to be informed, inspired, and impressed by the exceptional journalism of our delegates!

Peace in Taiwan: to be or not to be?

By Herald Sun, The Japan News, Folha de São Paulo, and Times of India

In the polarized world that we live in, conversations about sovereignty and self-autonomy are as prominent as ever. In 2025, Taiwan is center stage in these conversations. In the SPECPOL committee, friends and foes have been deciding the fate of Taiwan - whether it should be annexed by China, or be allowed to have their political and economic freedom.

While big words were being thrown around and everyone came to a consensus that international law is being broken and that violence is not the answer, little was achieved in the first 3 sessions.

While the Western powers were continuously voicing concerns over any sort of action causing export disruption, other nations have been focusing on de-escalating the situation. The delegation of Uzbekistan, an avid supporter of Taiwan’s independence and a member of the Guide bloc, have suggested solidifying autonomy with a “non-aggression pact between China, Taiwan and their allies”.

One prominent player within this agreement is the United States - even though the delegation is not a member of the Guide bloc, they have been posed with terms by the Guide bloc. Per the non-aggression pact that was proposed, the US is not to get involved at all if Taiwan initiates conflict with China. This creates some serious complications for the US, as the delegation have reported wanting to lead negotiations between Taiwan and China in order to reach their desired outcome.

As the committee progressed, more people voiced concerns over the social aspect of the issue, and more specifically, human rights in Taiwan in the event of annexation. Our reporters that focused on the UNHRC committee have been able to provide helpful insight on the situation.

Japan News observed the United Nations Human Rights Council once again to report on a new issue: Taiwanese self-determination. Japan News had the privilege to speak to the delegations of Japan, India, North Korea, and Thailand about this issue.

When asked about Taiwan’s right to self-determine, Japan’s delegate, Uehara, stated “Taiwan has the right to self-determine.”

Uehara also stated that Japan remains committed to human rights and is worried by China’s show of force in the region. “Japan is focused on promoting human rights internationally and working towards peaceful solutions.” Similarly, India’s delegation also supports Taiwan and their right to self-determine. “Taiwan reserves the right to self-determination and the United

Nations should not interfere with that,” the delegate stated.

Other delegations interviewed included those from North Korea and Thailand, both of whom have similar positions.

North Korea, an ally of China, supports Chinese claims to Taiwan. North Korea’s delegate believes it is best for Taiwan to stay under Chinese control stating, “China has many resources and aid that can benefit Taiwan under their control.”

However, the delegation does believe the Taiwanese government should have a say in how the island functions. “Taiwan should function as an autonomous state within Chinese territory. The Taiwanese have the authority to rule the island and China should recognize that.” Thailand’s delegate has a similar position stating, “The Taiwanese people have a right to self-determine and should be more free, but must remain in China’s domain.” When prompted on the topic of intervention, both delegates stated that the action of the United Nations is only warranted, “In the event the Chinese government does not accept the government of Taiwan” or “if things go sideways,” in the region.

While China is adamant on where Taiwan belongs, it seems that they are willing to compromise on how things proceed. Delegates of China believe that the UN should decide for the most unbiased outcome.

One reason provided for China’s desire to acquire Taiwan is their control of the global semiconductor industry. The Chinese representatives believe that they “have a right” to the industry. In SPECPOL, however, it seemed like delegates have started focusing on human rights only after the Press Corps members have addressed it.

The delegation of Burkina Faso, a member of the Peace bloc, is planning to create a cultural immersion program with the support of UNESCO. They claim that “without immersion, there’s no peace”. The program would include education about China’s and Taiwan’s respective cultures, which would promote friendly relations and minimize violent casualties. In an interview with Times of India, Burkina Faso said that because human rights are about the people and not ”petty politics”, this program will connect citizens and reduce hostility.

Special: Zooming in on the SPECPOL Blocs
The Spen Bloc (UK, USA, Japan, etc) wishes to have Taiwan be an autonomous state similar to Hong Kong. This state would be able to be an observer of the UN allowing it to have a say in global affairs. They also advocate for the intellectual rights to the production of the semiconductors to remain in Taiwan. They believe that it is essential to the island's economy and its ability to have a global say in the UN as an observer.

The Guide Bloc (Mozambique, Singapore, etc) want to have Taiwan and China reach a compromise concerning their status with each other with the UN’s encouragement. During an interview they were asked by Folha de São Paulo what this would look like they responded that they would use encouraging incentives like reducing trade barriers, they believe that this is the best way to prevent further conflict. support Taiwan's maintaining of the Intellectual property rights of the semiconductors even if they are to be made into an autonomous state like Hong Cong. They state that this will be enforced by the UN to make sure that China does not steal the rights from Taiwan.

The ECOSIN Bloc (China, Saudi Arabia, Norway, etc) desire to annex Taiwan. They think that this will prevent further conflict in the region and would benefit the global economy. The Bloc believes that in the event of annexation of Taiwan that the Intellectual rights go to China to promote unity. They also say that they will protect smaller Taiwanese industries but the large ones, like the semiconductors, will be transferred to the mainland.

The Peace Bloc(Panama, Burkan Faco, etc) believe that it should be a compromise between the nations, no matter what happens annexation, independence, or autonomous state. They want the UN to promote cultural exchange between the nations so that the best outcome is achieved.; They also say that the intellectual property rights should remain in Taiwan. They do not support any stance and want it to be reached with increased communications between China and Taiwan.

The editorial team of JSBAI International is sure that all of these policies and strategies will serve towards the protection of human rights around the globe, and in Taiwan specifically. The team has conducted a small study, and has come up with a list of Articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that the actions will uphold, if they succeed. The list is as follows:

1. Article 3: It’s a human right to have security.

2. Article 15: No person shall be deprived of their nationality.

3. Article 26: Education shall be directed at formation of human personality and shall

   promote mutual respect.

4. Article 27: It’s a human right to be able to participate in a culture freely.

5. Article 28: It’s a human right for social international order.

More updates on the Taiwan situation are to come.

Pharmaceutical Freedom Act

CAPITOL HILL, Jan. 25 (Reuters) - The Pharmaceutical Freedom Act Bloc, led by senators of Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Maine, and South Carolina–and endorsed by others–has recognized principle objectives in their tentative resolution.

In the interest of innovation and competition, The Pharmaceutical Freedom Act supports medical technological advancement, encourages increased market competition as a means of reducing monopolistic practices, and advocates for international expansion and enhancement in American markets.

The bloc proposes tax incentives in promotion of drug research, allowing up to 150% cost reduction for clinical trials and research, capital for drug production, and subsidies for the development of safer drugs. Additionally, this coalition states value the prioritization of domestic pharmaceuticals but also deem it necessary to allow imports from EU and USMCA countries.

In the interest of accountability, The Pharmaceutical Freedom Act promotes increased transparency in the pharmaceutical industry, champions governmental monitoring of the industry in efforts to foster security and equitability, and backs the implementation of patent reform programs to prevent further patent thicketting.

In the interest of healthcare, The Pharmaceutical Freedom Act urges reforms of Medicare and Medicaid, calls to action against opioid addiction, and advocates to dissolve monopolies of PBM (Pharmacy Benefit Managers)

For more information regarding specifics and further detail, please review the terms of resolution.