Supporters of Taiwan joining the United Nations marched in New York as this year's General Assembly got under way, a small but visible push that highlighted both foreign backing and splits at home.

• The "Keep Taiwan Free" march set off from outside China's consulate in New York, with chants calling Taiwan a country and demanding a UN seat.
• The Marshall Islands' UN envoy joined at the finish line and urged the world not to shut Taiwan out.
• Marshall Islands is one of Taiwan's few remaining diplomatic allies and has repeatedly raised its case at the UN.
• Only one of the three Taiwanese lawmakers on the UN advocacy delegation showed up, and the two no-shows drew public criticism from organizers.

Outlook: Taiwan's bid will stay symbolic while the General Assembly runs, with China's veto power keeping any real membership push off the table.