United Nations: Taiwan's bid to get a seat in the United Nations General Assembly has failed for the 11th consecutive time, when a key committee refused to put the issue on the Assembly's agenda.

The committee took the decision by consensus and without vote, a procedure that allows members not to show their hand as to whether they support or oppose the issue being voted.

Taiwan uses its economic clout to get support from some poor and small nations, but China's overwhelming political clout and strong opposition to Taiwan becoming a member wins the day.

Taipei wants a seat as it would give it an independent identity. It is exactly for the same reason that China strongly opposes its admission. Beijing considers Taiwan not an independent nation, but renegade province, which has to be brought in the national mainstream.

"Taiwan is the only country in the world that remains excluded from the United Nations," said a statement by the 17 countries backing it. These include small nations in Africa and the Caribbean region, which are among the 26 countries that have diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

PTI