Legislative president Wang Jin-pyng says that the new government in Taiwan will keep up the country's bid for membership of the United Nations this year. Wang spoke on Thursday after arriving in New York City for a two-day visit.

However, Wang said that it is unlikely that the administration of President Ma Ying-jeou will apply for UN membership for Taiwan under the name "Taiwan." That was the strategy adopted by former President Chen Shui-bian last year after several failed attempts to join the world body under the country's official name, the Republic of China. Wang said that the president has directed relevant government agencies to study the issue of what name to go by in the next membership bid.

Taiwan has reapplied for membership of the United Nations annually for more than a decade. However, every bid has been blocked due to opposition from China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory.