No. 415  

From August 27 to September 3, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung led a delegation to the Republic of Palau, a diplomatic ally of Taiwan, and attended events related to the 55th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders’ meeting. He engaged in extensive exchanges with representatives of Taiwan’s Pacific allies and like-minded countries, strengthening Taiwan’s cooperation with Pacific partners. Minister Lin returned to Taiwan on the evening of September 3, concluding the successful trip.

On behalf of Taiwan, Minister Lin attended the opening ceremony of the PIF and presided over the Taiwan Night event, which was jointly hosted by Taiwan and Palau. At the invitation of Palau President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., he toured the Pacific Prosperity Exhibit with prominent political figures of Palau and representatives from such like-minded countries as the United States, Japan, and Australia. Together, they witnessed the fruits of Taiwan’s cooperation with its Pacific allies and like-minded countries in low-carbon energy, social empowerment, smart agriculture, smart health care, digital resilience, infrastructure, and other areas. These achievements highlighted joint efforts to satisfy development needs, strengthen resilience, and advance sustainability in the Pacific.

Minister Lin also attended the 30th Taiwan/ROC-Forum Countries Dialogue, which was chaired by President Whipps, to exchange views with leaders from Taiwan’s allies on talent development, regional exchanges and connectivity, and other issues. He proposed a comprehensive approach that integrated the aspects of education, training, employment, and certification and leveraged Taiwan’s experience in technical and vocational education and industrial talent development. This would support allies in cultivating a labor force that met the needs of society and industry, bolster youth employment, and establish a stronger talent base for long-term national development. 

Furthermore, Minister Lin discussed with leaders of allied nations the promotion of sustainable and mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation, as well as feasible approaches to using allies’ funds to invest in Taiwan’s capital markets. He stated that the goal of such endeavors would be to share the opportunities and outcomes created by Taiwan’s economic development with diplomatic allies through investment and industrial linkages and thereby expand bilateral collaboration in finance, industry, and economic development. 

Following the meeting, Minister Lin and the leaders of Taiwan’s three Pacific allies signed a joint statement reiterating the 1992 PIF leaders’ decision regarding their relations with Taiwan/ROC. The statement also recognized Taiwan’s pragmatic contributions to the Pacific region over the years in such areas as agriculture, fisheries, health care, education, technical assistance, talent training, and community development. It showcased the mutual trust, friendship, and foundation for cooperation built by Taiwan and its Pacific allies.

During the visit, Minister Lin and President Whipps witnessed the progress of several Taiwan-Palau cooperation projects that spanned health care, green energy, energy transition, sustainable development, and other fields. This involved a visit to Belau National Hospital, the opening of a golf demonstration park, the groundbreaking ceremony of a Taiwan-Palau hydrogen initiative, and the launch ceremony of the One Stop Shop solar power project and an electric bus project.

Besides meeting with prominent political figures and traditional leaders of Palau, Minister Lin visited the state of Peleliu to gain a better understanding of the area’s electric power system and development needs. This information will serve as important reference for the planning of future projects that further deepen bilateral cooperation.

While engaging with the government and various sectors of Palau, Minister Lin emphasized that bilateral interactions should extend beyond the governmental level to civil society and industry. He added that the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project could be used to spur direct people-to-people exchanges, business collaboration, and the sharing of development benefits. 

In addition, Minister Lin stated that tourism and investment were crucial to connecting the people and linking the economic development of the two countries. Looking ahead, Taiwan would encourage more citizens to visit Palau for tourism purposes and urge enterprises and private capital to invest in Palau, which would drive the development of the tourism, services, infrastructure, and other sectors. He added that by combining Taiwan’s economic vitality with Palau’s outstanding nature, culture, and development potential, a mutually beneficial cooperation model could be gradually established with the participation of government, businesses, and individuals.

Minister Lin also shared Taiwan’s experience in adopting drones and other emerging technologies to assist with public services and social development. He pointed out that Taiwan could introduce its advanced technologies and applications to allies through technology diplomacy. This would expand the use of technology in agriculture, environmental monitoring, disaster response, infrastructure, remote area services, and other fields, which would in turn improve the efficiency of public governance and help build a more convenient, safer, and more sustainable  living and development environment.

Meanwhile, Minister Lin welcomed the announcement made by the US government during the PIF that it would collaborate with Taiwan to promote such projects as the relocation of Belau National Hospital and a drinking water sampling project in Palau. This further demonstrated the determination of like-minded countries to work together to respond to the development needs and enhance the resilience of Pacific nations. Before returning to Taiwan, Minister Lin attended a briefing hosted by Palau on the hospital’s relocation and exchanged views with relevant parties on the future direction of the initiative. 

Minister Lin and representatives from like-minded countries held a meeting to discuss how to provide mutual support, leverage one another’s complementary strengths, and integrate resources to assist Pacific allies in enhancing their resilience, economic development, and sustainable growth.

In addition, Minister Lin pointed out that, with Palau hosting the PIF this year, the event had special significance. He said that the visit had given him the chance to fortify Taiwan-Palau ties and expand Taiwan’s exchanges and cooperation with other Pacific allies, the PIF, and like-minded countries. He mentioned that Taiwan had long participated in the PIF as a development partner and, like other Pacific countries, faced challenges with respect to climate change, energy security, economic development, and regional security. He reiterated that Taiwan supported the common vision of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

In recent years, Taiwan has coordinated the use of resources from across government agencies, industries, and civil society to advance the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project and promote integrated diplomacy. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to transform existing intergovernmental collaboration to let even more people and businesses participate and benefit. In the areas of talent development, tourism exchanges, investment cooperation, and emerging technologies and applications, Taiwan will further align its development momentum with allies’ needs. 

Taiwan will also continue to serve as a trustworthy development partner in the Pacific that is willing to make long-term investments and work with regional partners to create a more resilient, prosperous, and sustainable Blue Pacific future through talent, capital, technology, and regional linkages. (E) 

No.414

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly refutes the false claims made in a joint statement released by China and Egypt, including that Taiwan was an inseparable part of China.

The joint statement was issued following Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s state visit to Egypt on September 1 and 2. The document seriously distorts and ignores the objective status quo. MOFA solemnly protests and strongly condemns China’s government for continuing to manipulate the international community, for demanding that the governments of other nations accept its unilateral political narrative that disrupts peace and stability, and for issuing absurd statements that denigrate Taiwan’s sovereignty. 

MOFA reiterates that no narrative aiming to undermine the nation’s sovereignty can change the objective reality that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country and that neither it nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. China’s attempts at coercion only further strengthen Taiwan’s determination to defend its free and democratic system and oppose authoritarian expansionism. MOFA calls on the international community to recognize historical facts and objective realities and not be manipulated or misled by malicious political narratives spread by China’s government. (E)

No. 410  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) condemns in the strongest possible terms the so-called “combat readiness patrols” that China’s People’s Liberation Army conducted on September 2 in airspace and waters near Minzhu Reef. China’s actions interfered with routine operations of other countries’ vessels and aircraft and were therefore dangerous, irresponsible, and highly provocative.  

MOFA has consistently opposed unilateral and illegal efforts by any side in the South China Sea aimed at power expansion, including gray-zone coercion, militarization, and any other behavior that undermines peace. It calls on China to abide by international law, uphold the principle of peaceful dispute settlement, and respect the common desire of countries in the region for peace and stability.

Taiwan will continue to cooperate with like-minded countries and regional partners to jointly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea, protect freedom of navigation and overflight, and ensure a free, open, peaceful, and stable international order. (E)

No. 409  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes a US Department of State media note, issued on September 1, entitled “Promoting Pacific Prosperity: US Engagement at the Pacific Islands Forum.” 

The media note emphasized that the US commitment to the security and prosperity of Pacific island nations was steadfast and enduring, serving as a core pillar of America First foreign policy. It also cited major cooperation initiatives between Taiwan, the United States, and like-minded countries—including hospital relocation and drinking water sampling projects in Palau—promoting the development of Taiwan’s Pacific allies and the broader region. 

Additionally, in response to media inquiries on August 29, the Department of State said that the United States strongly backed Taiwan’s continued participation in the Pacific Islands Forum, highlighting Taiwan as a reliable, like-minded, and democratic partner that made significant contributions to prosperity and economic development across the Pacific.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung welcomes continued US public support and recognition of Taiwan’s international participation and contributions to regional development. Minister Lin is also pleased to see the ongoing expansion of concrete Taiwan-US cooperation in the Pacific and other regions. He anticipates that Taiwan-US relations, Taiwan’s partnerships with diplomatic allies and like-minded countries, and prosperity and stability worldwide will continue to flourish under the mutually complementary strategies of Taiwan’s integrated diplomacy and the United States’ commercial diplomacy. (E)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemns a malicious report published on September 1 by Solomon Islands media outlet Solomon Star. The report clearly deviated from the facts, erroneously stating that Taiwan used financial assistance to secure diplomatic recognition.

First, numerous statements in the report, including the claim that Taiwan offers cash gifts to prominent political figures in Palau, are completely untrue. Furthermore, Taiwan’s cooperation initiatives with Palau and other diplomatic allies, including Palau’s use of funding provided by Taiwan, focus on meeting local needs and uphold the administrative procedures of both parties. In such instances, Taiwan follows the same principles used by other like-minded countries in collaborative projects in the Pacific region.

By offering financial assistance to support the national development of diplomatic allies, Taiwan seeks to not only strengthen ties with its partners but also fulfill its obligations as a responsible member of the international community. Taiwan’s related policies emphasize investment in allied countries and encourage domestic manufacturers and enterprises to participate. Over the years, these efforts have yielded tangible results in such areas as clean energy, health care, and infrastructure for Taiwan’s allies.

Previously, foreign media have reported that certain Solomon Islands media outlets were receiving funding from China, casting doubt on the independence and impartiality of those outlets. It is regrettable that this most recent misleading article by Solomon Star reinforces such concerns and falls short of journalistic independence, fairness, and professionalism.

Taiwan has always upheld the spirit of the Pacific Way when interacting with nations in the region. Through the integrated diplomacy policy promoted by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung and the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, Taiwan engages in exchanges and cooperation with its allies, other friendly countries in the region, and the Pacific Islands Forum. 

As a responsible member of the Pacific family and a force for good, Taiwan has long contributed to regional peace and prosperity initiatives, with its efforts receiving wide recognition. In the future, Taiwan will continue to uphold shared ideals and move forward hand in hand with other nations in the Pacific.

No. 408  

The 81st session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly will open on September 8 at the UN headquarters in New York. The General Debate will take place from September 22 to 26 and on September 28. The theme of this year’s General Debate will be “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All.”

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Baushuan Ger held a special press conference on September 1 to communicate to the public the Taiwan government’s 2026 campaign and strategy for promoting Taiwan’s UN participation and to urge the UN to accept Taiwan’s involvement at the earliest possible juncture. 

Noting that Taiwan was an important and responsible member of the international community, Vice Minister Ger said that Taiwan not only faced the same global challenges encountered by other nations but was also confronted by China’s ongoing and escalating threats across the Taiwan Strait and throughout the region.

Vice Minister Ger explained that Taiwan needed to participate in relevant multilateral mechanisms to protect its national interests and the rights of the 23.5 million Taiwanese people. More importantly, he said, over many years Taiwan had accumulated abundant experience and capabilities in addressing issues of common global concern. He stated that Taiwan was willing to share its know-how and contribute expertise through the UN system and other multilateral mechanisms so as to jointly advance global welfare.

Vice Minister Ger pointed out that the root cause of the exclusion of the 23.5 million people of Taiwan from the UN was China’s distortion of the content of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 and its efforts to conflate the resolution with the so-called “one China principle,” falsely claiming that China represents Taiwan in the UN system. He said that China’s actions were an attempt to legally negate the fact that the ROC (Taiwan) was a sovereign country and inappropriately deny Taiwan’s legitimate right to participate in the UN system.

Vice Minister Ger stressed that in recent years China had continued to escalate its threatening behavior across the Taiwan Strait and broader Indo-Pacific region, employing such gray-zone tactics as military intimidation, cyberattacks, and economic coercion in an attempt to unilaterally change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait and the region. Pointing out that in July China had implemented its Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress, he said that China sought to use this domestic law to engage in transnational repression, which was a serious infringement of freedom, democracy, and human rights everywhere. In response, he observed, the United States, the European Union, Australia, and other members of the international community had expressed a high level of concern. In the face of the dynamic regional situation, the Taiwan government would staunchly maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and security, and continue to work with allies and like-minded nations to defend the front lines of freedom and democracy while steadily and pragmatically promoting Taiwan’s participation in international organizations.

This year, Taiwan’s UN campaign is focusing on three key aspects:

1. Drawing attention to the fact that UNGA Resolution 2758 only addressed China’s right to representation within the United Nations. The resolution neither dealt with Taiwan’s sovereignty nor precluded Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the UN system. The UN Should identify appropriate ways of including Taiwan’s participation in the UN system so that Taiwan can contribute its expertise and experience to help accelerate the realization of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

2. Firmly maintaining the status quo and ensuring peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. This is the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan and the widely held and staunch position of the international community. It has also received extensive support among Taiwan’s democratic partners. Peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are indispensable to global security and prosperity. 

3. Committing to the peaceful settlement of disputes and staunchly defending the international legal order. Any attempts or actions to disrupt the status quo across the Taiwan Strait contravene the principles enshrined in the UN Charter prohibiting the threat or use of force and requiring the peaceful settlement of disputes.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) this year would again request that diplomatic allies’ permanent representatives to the UN send a joint letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and that diplomatic allies speak up for Taiwan during the General Debate. The joint letter would strongly promote the three points outlined above.

Moreover, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung would publish an op-ed entitled “Restoring trust: Taiwan’s rightful place in the free world” to communicate the Taiwan government’s stance to the world. The op-ed would underline that only by following the principles set out in the UN Charter and treating every member of the international community in a fair and just manner could the UN win back the international community’s confidence.

Vice Minister Ger went on to thank the Legislative Yuan for once again organizing a cross-party delegation of legislators to travel to New York to impart to the UN community the steadfast support of the people of Taiwan for the government’s bid to participate in the UN system. He also mentioned that MOFA would host related side events and conduct a promotional campaign in New York while the General Assembly was in session.

Located along the Indo-Pacific’s first island chain, Taiwan is a key hub for global semiconductor supply chains. Peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are integral to global well-being. Taiwan is also an indispensable and vital force in the UN’s efforts to manage transformation. The government of Taiwan once again calls on the UN system to recognize the legitimate right of the 23.5 million people of Taiwan to participate in international affairs and to promptly seek appropriate ways to include Taiwan. Only in this way can the UN truly realize its commitment to leave no one behind and being a UN that delivers for all. (E)

No.405

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) refutes and condemns in the strongest possible terms claims made by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Kyrgyz Republic that repeat the fallacy of the “one China principle,” exposing China’s authoritarian ideology and its aim to disrupt international stability and peace.

On September 1, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a joint declaration on a comprehensive strategic partnership for high-quality development for the new era and a treaty on permanent good-neighborliness, friendship, and cooperation between China and Kyrgyzstan. The documents contain language that seriously undermines Taiwan’s sovereignty. With China again using its interactions with other countries in international settings to spread its rhetoric, MOFA urges the Kyrgyz government not to acquiesce to China’s distorted and false narratives.

The ROC (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country; neither it nor the PRC is subordinate to the other. This undeniable and objective fact also constitutes the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. No statements or arguments intended to denigrate Taiwan’s sovereignty can change this reality. 

MOFA once more urges the international community to address China’s long-standing practice of using various modes of coercion and enticement to influence the sovereign decisions of other governments. As well as being used to suppress Taiwan, this tactic poses a serious challenge to global democracy and the international rule of law.

Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation with like-minded countries and defend the democratic front line. MOFA reiterates that no matter what forms of economic coercion or diplomatic intimidation Taiwan faces, it will remain firmly committed to integrating with the world and demonstrating national resilience. (E)

No. 403  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) extends its warmest welcome to Ambassador Madsen Chérubin, Permanent Representative of Haiti to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva, and Ambassador Harold Young, Permanent Representative of Belize to the United Nations and other organizations in Geneva. They are visiting Taiwan from August 31 to September 4. 

Permanent Representative Chérubin is a veteran diplomat who has previously served as special adviser to the prime minister, ambassador to Brazil, and minister counselor at the Embassy of Haiti in the Dominican Republic. Permanent Representative Young has a background in academia and formerly held faculty positions at universities in Belize and the United States. Since assuming their posts at the WTO, they have rendered Taiwan significant assistance and strong support. 

During their trip, the permanent representatives will call at the Judicial Yuan, the Ministry of Finance, the Office of Trade Negotiations under the Executive Yuan, and the International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF). They will also attend a luncheon hosted by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Chen Ming-chi and visit leading technology companies. This will give them the opportunity to witness Taiwan’s current development in the fields of trade, the economy, technology, and democracy.

Amid the rapidly changing international geopolitical and economic landscape, Haiti and Belize have been staunch diplomatic allies to Taiwan. MOFA looks forward to further deepening cooperation with these two countries, thereby advancing a shared vision of mutual prosperity. (E)

No. 064  

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung was joined by colleagues on August 26 as he presided over the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Zhongyuan Pudu prayer ceremony on the eve of this annual festival.

The ceremony was attended for the first time by embassies and missions of 12 diplomatic allies and 12 friendly nations. Their presence at this traditional Taiwanese folk activity did much to promote cultural exchange and deepen friendship.

In addition to partaking in the traditional rituals of the ceremony, the guests from Saint Lucia, the Marshall Islands, Paraguay, Belize, Eswatini, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, South Korea, the Philippines, Canada, and other participating nations brought offerings that were presented alongside the flowers, fruits, vegetables, meats, and fish on display.

Among these guests, the representatives of Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines brought some of their nations’ most popular snack foods, while those from the United States and Canada offered beer and maple syrup, respectively. The gifts added an international touch to proceedings, symbolizing unity and shared prosperity.

In addition, Minister Lin specially prepared brightly colored bags of a well-known local snack printed with auspicious messages designed to invoke good fortune, peace, and prosperity. He presented these to ambassadors and representatives attending the event to convey his best wishes for their success and well-being.

Thanks to the invitations extended to foreign diplomats, this year’s observances not only helped uphold a traditional Taiwanese folk custom but also communicated that Taiwan cherishes its friendships with diplomatic allies and like-minded nations, as well as its hope that the international community will continue to advance understanding and jointly safeguard world peace through exchanges and cooperation. (E)

No. 400  

From August 27 to September 3, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung will lead a delegation to the Republic of Palau, a diplomatic ally of Taiwan, to attend events related to the 55th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders’ meeting. 

During his trip, Minister Lin will attend the 30th Taiwan/ROC-Forum Countries Dialogue, hosted by the PIF Secretariat, and the Pacific Prosperity Exhibit, hosted by Palau. Together with representatives of Palau, other diplomatic allies, and like-minded countries and partners in the Pacific, Minister Lin will witness the achievements of Taiwan’s cooperation with nations in the Pacific region over recent years in such areas as digital resilience, renewable energy, infrastructure, climate change adaptation, smart health care, and social empowerment.

Minister Lin will also engage in exchanges with representatives of Pacific allies and partners on the sidelines of the PIF to exchange views on such issues as strengthening Taiwan’s relations with their countries and jointly safeguarding peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

In addition, Minister Lin will meet with Palau President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. and Vice President Raynold B. Oilouch and visit Belau National Hospital and other initiatives promoted by Taiwan and Palau under the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, thereby gaining a deeper understanding of their implementation and future directions.

To showcase the spirit of integrated diplomacy, Taiwan’s delegation has also invited representatives from the Asia Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce, the Entrepreneur Club, and Taiwan’s energy, technology, food, construction, and organic agriculture industries to take part in the Pacific Prosperity Exhibit and related exchanges and activities. The joint efforts of the public and private sectors, coupled with Taiwan’s strengths in digital technology, smart health care, energy transition, sustainable development, and other spheres, will help further advance technological exchanges, industrial cooperation, and investment opportunities.

To achieve President Lai Ching-te’s policy vision of transforming Taiwan into an economy on which the sun never sets, the government has prioritized the Five Trusted Industry Sectors to execute the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project and its eight flagship programs, integrating resources from government agencies, industries, and civil society. Through integrated diplomacy, it has been linking Taiwan’s advantages in technology, industry, talent, and cooperation development to the needs of allies and like-minded countries with the aim to change the nature of cooperation from bilateral exchanges to regional partnerships.

This policy direction is closely aligned with sustainable development, resilience building, regional cooperation, and other important goals of Palau and the PIF. Taiwan will continue to leverage its experience in national development and industrial transformation to produce substantive outcomes through its mutually beneficial relations with allies and other partners, enabling these achievements to further resonate with these countries and generate a virtuous cycle.

Taiwan has long supported the PIF’s 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and will continue to partake in the Pacific Resilience Facility and other initiatives that are essential to regional shared interests. Over the years, Taiwan has shared experiences with PIF member states through scholarships, professional training courses, public governance, technological cooperation, and other means to jointly increase regional development and resilience. These efforts reflect Taiwan’s long-term commitment to serve as a Pacific development partner.

The government of Taiwan will continue to uphold the spirit of the Pacific Way and respect PIF decisions and the autonomous choices by individual member states. As a development partner, Taiwan will keep building on the existing foundation of trust and cooperation to work with the PIF and its member states through the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project and integrated diplomacy to promote peace, stability, prosperity, and sustainable development in the Pacific and Indo-Pacific regions and safeguard the rules-based international order. (E) 

No. 397  

On August 21, Taiwan and the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) completed an exchange of official letters on Taiwan’s donation of US$2 million for the second phase of the Chinese Taipei Trust Fund (CTTF), which is to be dispersed over a five-year period. 

The funding will assist small island developing states in enhancing their fisheries capacity through financial, scientific, and technological support. The allocation will further strengthen Taiwan’s participation in regional fisheries organizations and help Taiwan fulfill its obligations as a member of the international distant-water fishing community.

Taiwan is a founding member of the WCPFC. It launched the first phase of the CTTF in 2016 with an initial donation of US$2 million that was spread over five years. This helped Taiwan realize the spirit of the WCPFC Convention and demonstrates its commitment to assisting island nations in building up their domestic fishery industries. 

The CTTF has enabled Tuvalu, the Marshall Islands, Palau, and other nations, as well as related intergovernmental international organizations, to promote 30 fisheries capacity development plans. It has effectively bolstered the fisheries capacity of small island developing states in the WCPFC and demonstrated Taiwan’s role as an important contributor to and leading partner in global ocean governance.

Through the CTTF, Taiwan will further deepen cooperation with small island developing states, assisting them in strengthening implementation of WCPFC conservation and management measures, as well as their ability to manage tuna stocks. Taiwan and its partners will jointly enhance the long-term conservation and protection of Western and Central Pacific fishery resources and ensure mutual well-being. The initiative is a concrete example of Taiwan prioritizing the prosperity of its allies. 

Taiwan will continue to work with regional partners to guide Western and Central Pacific fisheries toward a sustainable and inclusive future that embodies shared success. It will use the CTTF as a platform to highlight the fact that Taiwan can help and lead. 

As an important Western and Central Pacific fisheries management organization, the WCPFC is committed to the conservation and management of tuna and other highly migratory fish stocks to ensure the sustainable use of regional fisheries resources. 

Since joining the WCPFC in 2004, Taiwan, by the name of Chinese Taipei, has actively participated in WCPFC meetings and conservation and management initiatives, thereby safeguarding its fisheries rights and fulfilling its international obligations. (E)

No. 396  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly refutes the false claims made in a joint statement issued on August 24 following a meeting between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and King Abdullah II of Jordan.

The document contained fallacies that gravely distort reality, including false and unwarranted references to the so-called “one China principle,” denigrating Taiwan’s sovereignty.

The ROC (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country, and neither it nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. This is the long-standing and objective reality commonly acknowledged by the international community.

The status quo across the Taiwan Strait and the fact that the ROC (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country cannot be altered by any nation’s unilateral and inappropriate claims. Coercion by China in any form will only strengthen Taiwan’s resolve to defend its free and democratic system and resist authoritarian expansion.

MOFA strongly denounces the government of China for repeatedly using meetings with the heads of state of other nations to publish false statements that seek to undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty and mislead international public opinion. It calls on the international community to take a clear-eyed view of Beijing’s totalitarian and expansionist nature and to jointly reject China’s malicious lies.

MOFA reiterates that Taiwan will intensify its commitment to upholding the common values of freedom and democracy, working with diplomatic allies and like-minded nations, and continuing to do all it can to maintain peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and throughout the region. (E)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly protests the Mandarin-language in-flight announcement by Etihad Airways that downgraded Taiwan’s status. 

MOFA solemnly reiterates that the ROC (Taiwan) is a sovereign, independent country and that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. These are objective facts and the internationally recognized status quo. Any improper practice that diminishes Taiwan’s sovereign status is wholly unacceptable to its government and people.

MOFA has instructed the Commercial Office of Taipei, Dubai, UAE to lodge a solemn protest with Etihad Airways headquarters and has coordinated with the Civil Aviation Administration to contact Etihad Airways representatives in Taiwan. Taiwan has demanded that the airline rectify the improper terminology, issue an apology, and implement corrective measures. MOFA will continue to closely monitor developments to staunchly defend Taiwan’s dignity and sovereignty.

MOFA solemnly reiterates that the ROC (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country; that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is subordinate to the other; and that the PRC has never governed Taiwan. This objective fact is recognized by the international community. 

China’s false narratives are politically motivated and aim to belittle Taiwan’s sovereignty. They are entirely futile and cannot change the objective reality. Instead, they further highlight the authoritarian nature of China’s external pressure tactics.

MOFA calls on all governments to uphold the principles of professionalism and pragmatism, eliminate unnecessary political interference, and respect Taiwan’s legitimate passports and travel documents. This will help preserve the rights and interests of both countries while pursuing regular economic and trade relations and people-to-people exchanges.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly condemns and categorically refutes comments made by Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, in a media interview with Al Jazeera on August 16. In his remarks, Prime Minister Anwar erroneously and absurdly implied that Taiwan was a separatist province of China and openly justified China’s position on the use of force to annex Taiwan. These statements seriously jeopardized regional peace and stability.

MOFA reiterates that the ROC (Taiwan) is a sovereign, independent country and that neither it nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. These facts cannot be changed by anyone making false claims.

Malaysia is a democratic nation, and Prime Minister Anwar has long cast himself as a defender of democracy and human rights. MOFA urges him to uphold the universal values of democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law and respect and defend the will of the people. Political rhetoric that endorses the threat of force to unilaterally change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait serves to alienate the Taiwanese people, who are committed to safeguarding their democracy. It also severely damages political mutual trust between Taiwan and Malaysia, and goes against the aspirations of the people of Malaysia, who cherish peace and democracy.

MOFA notes that Taiwan and Malaysia have long enjoyed close economic and trade ties. Given the strong correlation between national sovereignty and economic security, Prime Minister Anwar’s partisan support for China may have a negative impact on the confidence of Taiwanese businesses planning to invest in Malaysia.

Taiwan will continue to firmly uphold the universal values of democracy, freedom, and human rights. It will further collaborate with like-minded countries to jointly resist authoritarianism and maintain peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. (E)

No.384  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has learned that on the afternoon of August 12, three ROC (Taiwan) nationals—a business traveler and accompanying family members—had their passports withheld by immigration officials upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport in Kampala, the capital of Uganda. Although the nationals were eventually granted entry, the officers unreasonably demanded that they produce Chinese passports to receive entry stamps before having their Taiwan passports returned, stating that the measure was part of Uganda’s “one China policy.” 

The incident follows another recent episode, in which officials at the airport confiscated the passports of two Taiwan nationals, one of whom was subsequently deported.

MOFA promptly gained an understanding of the situation, and the Taiwan Representative Office in the Republic of Somaliland, which covers consular affairs related to Uganda, immediately provided necessary care and assistance to the affected nationals.

The government of Uganda has yet to officially announce any adjustments to its visa and entry requirements for Taiwan nationals. However, in consideration of recent cases of Taiwan nationals encountering difficulties entering Uganda, MOFA urges nationals to carefully consider the necessity and potential risks of travel and advises them to postpone their journeys. MOFA also reminds nationals who are in Uganda to remain vigilant and stay in touch with the representative office in Somaliland. The office and other relevant overseas missions will continue to monitor the situation, negotiate with the Ugandan government, and offer appropriate assistance to affected nationals.

Nearly 70 Taiwan nationals are currently in Uganda. Around 35 Taiwanese businesses have investments in the country, which contribute to local job creation. In recent years, a growing number of Taiwanese tourists have visited Uganda, bringing significant economic benefits. 

MOFA expresses serious concern over the recent entry restrictions targeting Taiwan nationals at Uganda’s airport. It urges the Ugandan government to face the internationally recognized reality that the ROC (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent nation and that neither it nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. MOFA calls on Uganda to refrain from imposing inappropriate and politically motivated border controls that interrupt normal bilateral exchanges and harm mutual interests. 

In the event of a crisis or emergency in Uganda, MOFA reminds nationals to seek necessary assistance by calling the emergency hotline of the Taiwan Representative Office in the Republic of Somaliland at +252-636-292-616 or the MOFA emergency hotline for overseas nationals at +886-800-085-095. (E)

No. 382  

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung affirms and welcomes the joint statement issued by the United States and 40 other countries on August 11 expressing concern over recent missile testing in the Pacific Ocean. 

The joint statement pointed out that recent missile testing in the Pacific did not adhere to standard notification and coordination practices adopted by most nations, and it called for all countries to establish transparent and regularized advance notification arrangements to reduce the risk of miscalculation and unexpected escalation.

Minister Lin commends the United States and other members of the international community for conveying their concern over the security of the Indo-Pacific region and demonstrating the importance they attach to this issue. He also once again condemns China for taking various coercive actions that disregard regional stability.

Published by the US Department of State, the statement was jointly issued by the United States, Japan, South Korea, the Marshall Islands, Palau, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, and 33 other countries. 

Minister Lin also welcomes a statement made on August 11 by a US official at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva. The official expressed concern over the fact that China had not provided sufficient and appropriate prelaunch notification for the test-firing of a submarine-launched ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean on July 6.

China continues to significantly expand militarily, seeking to unilaterally change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific through such gray-zone tactics as military intimidation, economic coercion, cognitive warfare, and intrusions by military aircraft and vessels. These actions not only pose a threat to Taiwan but also present a grave challenge to security and peace in neighboring countries and the region.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region has become an international consensus and is in the interests of all parties in the region. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will continue to work closely with the United States and other like-minded partners to jointly uphold peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific. (E) 

No. 381  

On behalf of the people and government of the ROC (Taiwan), Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung conveys his deepest condolences to the people and government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, a Pacific ally of Taiwan, on the loss of Iroijlaplap Michael Kabua, who passed away on August 11 at the age of 81. Minister Lin also expresses sympathies to the Kabua family.

Iroijlaplap Kabua worked his entire life to maintain and strengthen ties between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands. He visited Taiwan on numerous occasions and established cordial relations with all sectors of Taiwan’s society. He was a strong proponent of traditional Marshallese culture, values, and national identity. He was respected and loved by the Marshallese people, and his contributions to Marshallese society and traditional culture were widely recognized.

Iroijlaplap Kabua’s passing is not only a great loss for the Marshall Islands. Taiwan is bereft of a great and good friend. MOFA expresses great sadness, and it will always remember Iroijlaplap Kabua’s support of and contributions to the bilateral relationship. His staunch support of traditional Marshallese culture and of Taiwan-Marshall Islands ties will long be cherished by the people of both countries. (E)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly condemns China’s unilateral announcement on August 11 that it would conduct so-called “joint operations” and “navigation exercises” with the Indonesian navy in waters off the east coast of Taiwan. China’s reckless and irresponsible behavior in repeatedly disregarding international norms and responsibilities continues to escalate regional tensions.

Following China’s claim that Indonesia would participate in the so-called “exercises,” Taiwan immediately sought clarification from the relevant parties and requested further details from the Indonesian government. Nevertheless, among all stakeholders near the first island chain, only the Beijing authorities have engaged in such malicious, provocative, and irresponsible unilateral actions, which seek to destabilize and threaten the region.

MOFA emphasizes that Taiwan, as a responsible member of the region, will uphold its consistent stance of safeguarding its territory, actively protect its sovereignty and sovereign rights in the waters off its east coast, and work with all parties in the region to jointly ensure freedom of navigation and regional security and stability.

No. 372  

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung affirms and welcomes the joint statement issued following the 3rd Australia-Philippines Defense Ministers’ Meeting on August 7. The statement reaffirmed the importance of cross-strait peace and stability, opposed any unilateral action to change the status quo, and encouraged dialogue rather than coercion or the use of force.

The meeting was held in Darwin, Australia, and was attended by Australian Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

The joint statement once again demonstrates that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea, and the Indo-Pacific region has become an international consensus.

Taiwan, Australia, and the Philippines are like-minded partners that share the common values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. Taiwan will continue to work with like-minded countries to safeguard the rules-based international order and jointly promote democracy, peace, and prosperity in the region. (E) 

On the special occasion of the forum’s 10th edition, MOFA is privileged to welcome Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini Russell Dlamini and Chairman Emeritus of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee Michael McCaul (R-TX), who will serve as opening keynote speakers. Furthermore, former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada Chrystia Freeland and former Prime Minister of Finland Sanna Marin―both of whom are visiting Taiwan for the first time―will deliver a keynote address at the luncheon and in the afternoon, respectively. 

The event will also be attended by 12 prominent political leaders, parliamentarians, scholars, and experts from nine countries across the Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, and Latin America. They will engage with their Taiwanese counterparts in discussions on the practice of democratic resilience, construction of joint defenses for the Indo-Pacific region, and the shaping of non-red supply chains.

In addition, a campaign to express concern and to counter China’s Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress will be launched. As part of this campaign, like-minded allies and partners in the international community will be encouraged to collectively monitor China’s attempts at extraterritorial jurisdiction and transnational repression, unite in countering this law, and together forge a resilient global defense.

Updates on related information will be available on the Ketagalan Forum website (www.ketagalanforum.tw ). Proceedings will be live streamed on the Ketagalan Forum channel, which can be reached via a link on the website. (E)

Based on the deep friendship between Taiwan and Japan, the donation aims to help local residents recover as quickly as possible. The disaster caused numerous casualties, the collapse of many buildings, and damage to roads and other infrastructure, and the area continues to face the threat of aftershocks. 

MOFA has also launched a fundraising campaign, with the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund opening a special account for related private sector donations.

Taiwan and Japan maintain robust bilateral relations, and their peoples enjoy close bonds. Over the years, the peoples and governments of the two countries have helped each other during emergencies, bolstering this profound friendship. 

In response to the Kumamoto earthquake, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung emphasizes that Taiwan has always stood with Japan and that Taiwan is more than willing to lend a helping hand whenever needed, thereby assisting with Japan’s disaster recovery. In addition, Minister Lin sincerely invites all members of Taiwan’s society to show solidarity with the earthquake victims as they rebuild their homes and return to normal life. (E)

Morocco’s embassy in Japan notified Taiwanese travel agencies on July 23 that it would temporarily stop accepting applications for visa confirmation letters (VCL) from Taiwanese nationals. Subsequent inquiries confirmed that the Moroccan government had also instructed its other embassies and consulates worldwide to implement this measure. Taiwanese nationals who received a VCL before July 20 will still be permitted to enter Morocco for business or tourism purposes during their visa’s validity period.

Because Taiwanese nationals were not eligible for Moroccan e-visas, they could only travel to the country for short-term business or tourism activities by applying for VCLs at Moroccan embassies. Morocco’s decision to stop issuing such VCLs will create new obstacles for Taiwanese nationals who intend to travel to Morocco, thereby negatively impacting bilateral exchanges.

MOFA urges the Moroccan government to maintain convenient arrangements for business and tourism travel between Taiwan and Morocco and to resume regular people-to-people exchanges as soon as possible.

MOFA will closely monitor future developments in the Moroccan government’s visa policy regarding Taiwanese nationals and adjust its visa policy for Moroccan nationals accordingly. (E)

No. 340  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly condemns China for suddenly announcing on July 23 that it would hold live-fire exercises on July 23 and 24 in portions of the Taiwan Strait. MOFA calls on China to engage in rational conduct, show self-restraint, and immediately cease its military provocations and gray-zone intrusions. 

The announcement was issued as a navigation warning by China’s Zhangzhou Maritime Safety Administration, which also established a restricted zone. This provocative action by China has blatantly violated international norms, severely affected regional security and stability, and jeopardized maritime and air traffic.

The ROC (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country and neither it nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. As a responsible member of the Indo-Pacific region, Taiwan has remained committed to the maintenance of peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and the region. In contrast, China has betrayed its nature as a troublemaker in flouting the collective expectations of the international community for regional security by unilaterally engaging in military coercion in the waters of the Taiwan Strait, which has increased regional tension. 

MOFA calls on the international community to jointly condemn China for hegemonic behavior that unilaterally disrupts the status quo and threatens regional security. The ROC (Taiwan) government will continue to coordinate closely with like-minded nations to staunchly defend the universal values of freedom and democracy, uphold the rules-based international order, and ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and Indo-Pacific region. (E)

No. 336  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) solemnly condemns the false claims made in a joint statement issued on July 20 between the governments of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Kingdom of Thailand. 

The document, released following a meeting on July 18 between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in China, contained absurd statements, including that Taiwan was an inalienable part of China. Thailand also expressed that it firmly supported China’s peaceful reunification and “one country, two systems” policy and that it would not support any call for the independence of Taiwan. 

MOFA strongly protests the Chinese government’s repeated dissemination of erroneous narratives denigrating Taiwan’s sovereignty. MOFA also expresses disappointment and regret over the Thai government’s disregard for facts and deference to China’s attempts to undermine Taiwan’s sovereign status. 

MOFA reiterates that the ROC (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country and that neither it nor the PRC is subordinate to the other. Taiwan will not tolerate China’s repeated attempts to use bilateral statements to spread false narratives that seek to unilaterally change the cross-strait status quo through cognitive warfare. 

As Taiwan and Thailand enjoy close commercial and trade ties, as well as robust people-to-people exchanges, Taiwan urges Thailand to cherish the long-standing friendship between the two countries and refrain from constantly aligning with China’s efforts to suppress Taiwan. Otherwise, Thailand and other countries may face negative consequences as a result of China’s campaign to undermine regional peace and stability. (E) 

The document points out that China’s increasingly assertive behavior in the South and East China Seas and across the Taiwan Strait could have a growing impact on European and Indo-Pacific security, stability, and prosperity. It also highlights that change of status quo around the Taiwan Strait would have a profound impact on global security, and underlines that the security of the Indo-Pacific and of Europe are more interlinked than ever.

The report identifies China as a key enabler of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. It notes that at the center of the transformation of the international order lies the determination of some powers, led by Russia and China, to establish regional dominance and reshape the global order in line with their interests. The document adds that China’s asymmetric advantages over the EU makes it a critical long-term strategic challenge.

China has recently intensified its military and other coercive measures across the Taiwan Strait and in the East and South China Seas and other regions. It has also expanded its economic influence through nonmarket means and continued to support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. These actions have raised serious concerns throughout the international community, impacted regional security, and challenged the rules-based international order. 

As a responsible member of the international community Taiwan will continue to work with the EU and other like-minded partners to jointly defend such universal values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law and make greater contributions to global security, stability, and prosperity.

No. 330  


The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) announces that in order to uphold ROC (Taiwan) national dignity and maintain border security, it has decided to suspend entry facilitation measures currently applicable to Cambodian nationals—including conditional visa-free entry through the Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC) scheme and the Project for Simplifying Visa Regulations for High-end Group Tourists from Southeast Asian Countries—effective August 1, 2026.

MOFA notes that since August 2018, Cambodian nationals have been eligible for conditional visa-free entry through the Online Application for ROC (Taiwan) TAC scheme, the Project for Simplifying Visa Regulations for High-end Group Tourists from Southeast Asian Countries, and other entry facilitation initiatives. These measures aimed to foster greater understanding of Taiwan among the government and people of Cambodia through increased bilateral exchanges.

However, the Cambodian government has long failed to respond to Taiwan’s goodwill with parity and reciprocity. Further, it has repeatedly and publicly aligned with China by issuing inappropriate statements denigrating Taiwan’s sovereignty and even implicitly supporting a future attempt by China to annex Taiwan through the use of force. These actions have undermined Taiwan’s national dignity and hurt the feelings of its people. 

Additionally, a number of major transnational fraud cases have been linked to Cambodia in recent years. These negative developments have attracted significant attention and raised deep concern across all sectors of Taiwan’s society. Therefore, MOFA has decided to suspend entry facilitation measures for Cambodian nationals.

MOFA emphasizes that Cambodian nationals who plan to visit Taiwan in the future must apply for appropriate visas at Taiwan’s overseas missions. Moving forward, the resumption of entry facilitation measures for Cambodian nationals will be evaluated in accordance with the Cambodian government’s policies toward Taiwan. (E)

No. 329   

In line with efforts to promote the New Southbound Policy (NSP), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) convened a meeting on April 21 with relevant government agencies on further improving visa measures for nationals of NSP partner countries traveling to Taiwan. The meeting conducted a comprehensive review of existing visa and entry measures, focusing on the trial visa-free entry program for nationals of Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines; the Project for Simplifying Visa Regulations for High-end Group Tourists from Southeast Asian Countries, overseen by the Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications; and conditional visa-free entry through the Online Application for ROC (Taiwan) Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC) scheme for nationals of Southeast Asian countries, overseen by the National Immigration Agency, Ministry of the Interior.

After evaluating the effectiveness of the above measures in past years, the relevant agencies decided to extend the trial visa-free entry program for one year for nationals of Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines from August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027. 

In addition, the Project for Simplifying Visa Regulations for High-End Group Tourists from Southeast Asian Countries will be extended for a further year through December 31, 2027, and the conditional visa-free entry through the TAC scheme will remain in place, with both continuing to apply to nationals of India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Laos. Nationals of Cambodia will no longer be eligible for these two initiatives from August 1, 2026.

MOFA will continue to review and fine-tune visa policies, with a view to strengthening bilateral relations and attracting more visitors while ensuring border and public security. MOFA will also continue to communicate with the governments of related countries to enhance visa treatment for Taiwan nationals and make their overseas travel more convenient. (E)

No. 320  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) reaffirms that the sovereignty claims and relevant policies of the ROC (Taiwan) regarding the South China Sea Islands remain unchanged. Taiwan adheres to the following four principles for South China Sea issues:

1. Disputes in the South China Sea should be resolved peacefully in accordance with international law and the law of the sea, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea;

2. Taiwan should be included in multilateral dispute settlement mechanisms;

3. Relevant countries have an obligation to safeguard freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea; and

4. The ROC advocates addressing South China Sea disputes in line with the principles of setting aside differences and promoting joint development. Through negotiations conducted on the basis of equality, it is willing to work with other countries to advance regional peace and stability and protect and develop South China Sea resources.

In accordance with these principles, Taiwan continues to actively work with relevant countries to promote stability in the South China Sea and uphold the values of peace, humanitarianism, ecology, sustainability, and prosperity in the region through five concrete actions: protection of fishing rights, participation in multilateral consultations, scientific collaboration, providing humanitarian assistance, and encouraging research on the law of the sea. 

Taiwan is a responsible member of the international community and a key stakeholder in the South China Sea. MOFA reiterates that Taiwan must not be excluded from any discussions concerning its rights and interests or the norms of conduct in the region so as to ensure the legitimacy of such discussions.

As a reliable maritime partner, Taiwan’s claims to sovereignty and rights over the South China Sea Islands are based on international law and the law of the sea. Using Taiping Island as a base, Taiwan promotes maritime cooperation, environmental conservation, humanitarian assistance, and scientific research in the South China Sea, fully demonstrating its commitment to advancing regional peace, stability, and joint development.

MOFA opposes any unilateral expansionism, gray-zone coercion, militarization, and other behaviour that undermines peace in the South China Sea. It calls on all relevant parties to strictly abide by international law, honor the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes, and refrain from taking any actions that escalate tensions, create conflict, and undermine regional peace and stability. Taiwan will continue to work with like-minded countries and regional partners to jointly uphold peace, stability, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, and ensure a free, open, peaceful, and stable international order. (E)

MOFA reiterates that the ROC (Taiwan) is an independent, sovereign country, that neither it nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other, and that Taiwan has never been a part of the PRC. These long-standing, objective facts are recognized by the international community and reflect the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. Unilateral claims by any nation cannot change the established fact that Taiwan is a sovereign nation. Taiwan’s determination to staunchly defend its democratic system will not waver in the face of China’s coercion and threats.

MOFA strongly condemns China’s government for repeatedly using meetings with other heads of state to issue statements that undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty and mislead international opinion. Namibia’s subservient behavior also disregards international realities. MOFA calls on the international community to recognize Beijing’s expansionist authoritarian nature and jointly push back against its malicious lies. MOFA reiterates that Taiwan will steadfastly uphold the values of freedom and democracy and collaborate with allies and like-minded nations to maintain peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and in the region. (E)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly condemns the attack on veteran media figure Akio Yaita in Taichung on July 6 by a Chinese resident of Hong Kong. The incident highlights China’s transnational repression of individuals worldwide and efforts to expand its authoritarian influence through violence. 

MOFA reiterates that the Chinese government’s barbaric use of transnational repression to intimidate, harass, and interfere with the citizens of Taiwan and other countries violates international human rights, infringes on the sovereignty of nations, and brazenly crosses the bottom line of the rule of law. Such actions are absolutely unacceptable.

The attack marks the first instance of China engaging in transnational repression through violence since enacting the Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law. MOFA further calls on the international community to jointly oppose China’s transnational repression and challenge its unprincipled legislation and violent behavior.

MOFA will continue to coordinate closely with relevant government agencies and the international community on associated measures, strengthen the emergency response and assistance mechanisms of overseas missions, and enhance cooperation with other countries so as to ensure the safety of nationals traveling abroad and foreign citizens in Taiwan.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemns China for its July 6 launch of a strategic missile into the Pacific Ocean, an act that undermined regional peace and stability and provoked international concern. 

At a time when the international community is striving to maintain global peace and security, China has disregarded the need for regional stability and continues to engage in actions that threaten the peaceful status quo. 

In recent years, China has persistently used gray-zone tactics such as military intimidation, economic coercion, and cognitive warfare in an attempt to unilaterally change the status quo in the Indo-Pacific. This has increased regional tensions and posed a serious challenge to the rules-based international order. China’s test-firing of a strategic missile underlines that using military deterrence as a political tool does not benefit regional peace and stability but rather increases concern about China’s expansionism among nations in the region.

MOFA stresses that upholding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific is a common interest of global concern. Any unilateral escalation of tensions, disruption of the status quo, or military intimidation of other countries is inconsistent with international expectations and the interests of related countries. It also runs counter to the United Nations Charter, which calls for the peaceful settlement of disputes. China should remain rational and restrained and avoid behaviors that increase the risk of miscalculation or jeopardize regional security. 

As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will continue to work closely with like-minded nations to jointly uphold peace, stability, and prosperity in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region.

Taiwan and the United States continue to deepen cooperation and exchanges in trade, technology, education, and supply chains. Phoenix, the capital of Arizona, is an important and rapidly growing city in the southwestern United States. As Taiwan’s semiconductor manufacturers and related supply chain companies continue to expand their investments in the area, Phoenix has progressively developed into a sizeable and strategically significant technology industry cluster. It has become a vital hub for Taiwan and the United States to jointly build reliable and highly resilient technology industry supply chains.

The decision by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) to establish an office in Phoenix is based on the new Taiwan-US high-tech industrial cooperation landscape, the increasing number of Taiwan enterprises and overseas compatriots in Arizona and surrounding areas, and the ever-closer interactions between Taiwan and various US state and municipal governments. 

Moving forward, the Phoenix office will help bolster ties between Taiwan, the state government of Arizona, and the municipal government of Phoenix. The new office will respond promptly to the investment and operational needs of Taiwan companies and promote bilateral cooperation in such domains as the economy, trade, technology, supply chains, culture, education, and people-to-people exchanges.

The Phoenix office will also provide more convenient consular services to overseas compatriots, Taiwan nationals, and Taiwan enterprises in Arizona and New Mexico. Once established, it will become Taiwan’s fourteenth office in the United States. Taiwan’s existing offices are located in Washington, DC, New York, Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Seattle, Houston, Chicago, Honolulu, Denver, Miami, and Guam.

MOFA will continue to work with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States and its other US offices, building on solid foundations to further the mutually beneficial Taiwan-US partnership and promote exchanges and industrial cooperation at the local level. (E)

No. 303  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) expresses strong condemnation and solemn opposition to the Chinese government’s enactment on July 1 of the so-called Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law. Through this domestic legislation, China is attempting to exercise long-arm jurisdiction and transnational repression, thereby expanding its threats against and intimidation of the people of Taiwan and other countries, while seriously infringing on the sovereignty of all nations and violating international human rights.

MOFA notes that the above law, in the form of domestic legislation, explicitly grants jurisdiction over organizations and individuals outside China. It serves as a legal pretext for China to expand its long-arm jurisdiction and transnational repression, posing a significant threat to global freedom, democracy, and human rights. In the future, individuals worldwide whose words or actions are deemed unacceptable by China may be targeted or prosecuted under this law. The international community must unite in condemning China’s repeated attempts to advance authoritarian expansionism through domestic legislation.

Furthermore, multiple provisions of the law are based on ill-defined concepts, such as what China terms “undermining ethnic unity,” “creating ethnic division,” and “acting detrimentally to ethnic unity and progress.” This gives Chinese law enforcement agencies room for arbitrary interpretation, making it difficult for people to assess risks, which could lead to self-censorship and a chilling effect. Such measures severely contradict the principles of legal clarity and proportionality upheld by countries governed by the rule of law.

MOFA reiterates that the ROC (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country and that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. No domestic legislation enacted by China has any binding force over Taiwan, and China has absolutely no right to fabricate legal grounds to criminalize Taiwan’s people. As a free and democratic country, Taiwan guarantees its people the freedoms of speech and thought in accordance with the law. China has no right to comment on or interfere in these matters.

MOFA emphasizes that when authoritarian regimes export fear, democratic countries must enhance their social resilience; and that when authoritarian forces attempt to sow division, like-minded partners must deepen collaboration to mount a collective response. As an important member of the democratic camp, Taiwan will continue to leverage international cooperation to bolster social resilience and counter the Chinese government’s transnational repression. (E)

No. 302  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on June 30 the launch of the second edition of its annual international short film competition called #FindingTaiwan2.0: Where We Connect. MOFA invites filmmakers from  around the world to compete for a total prize pool of NT$800,000. Entries may be submitted between July 1 and August 31, 2026. 

The theme of this year’s contest highlights Taiwan’s links to the international community. MOFA welcomes entries that explore the connections between democracy, innovation, culture, technology, and people-to-people ties. Entrants are encouraged to draw on their own observations and perspectives to create narratives that enhance understanding of Taiwan. 

The competition also features the Taiwan Panorama Special Award. Taiwan Panorama magazine has long introduced Taiwan to the international community through articles and photographs. The award has been established to mark the publication’s 50th anniversary. Participants are invited to explore the magazine’s online archives and reinterpret the historical images and reportage in new ways. 

The film contest debuted last year, when the theme was finding and discovering Taiwan. Creators from Taiwan and all over the world enthusiastically took part and presented a diverse range of moving stories about Taiwan informed by many cultural perspectives. Entries showcased the diversity and warmth of Taiwan to a global audience.

Further details may be found at https://findingtaiwan2026.com.tw/en. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) notes that the Taipei Main Office of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT/T) expressed concern over the fact that China dispatched coast guard vessels to Taiwan’s eastern waters and harassed commercial ships. AIT/T clearly stated that China’s claims to jurisdiction over waters that have been peaceably administered by Taiwan for over 70 years seriously undermined regional stability and contravened China’s own statements that it would seek a peaceful resolution of disputes. 

The AIT/T spokesperson further stated that the United States rejected any claim by China that it had the authority to interfere with freedom of navigation and overflight, the freedom to lay undersea cables, and other lawful uses of the sea. It urged China to cease its military, diplomatic, and economic pressure on Taiwan and to instead engage in meaningful dialogue with Taiwan’s democratically elected government. 

MOFA points out that China’s government vessels have continued to make illegal intrusions in the waters east of Taiwan and in the waters near Taiping Island throughout the month of June. These vessels have improperly interfered with the free navigation of commercial ships. Such behavior, which undermines peace, stability, and the international order, has aroused serious concern among the international community. 

MOFA reiterates that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. Taiwan enjoys all rights and jurisdiction over its appertaining waters in accordance with international law and the law of the sea. China has no right to take illegal actions within Taiwan’s exclusive economic zone against any vessels exercising their right of freedom of navigation.

MOFA calls on China to stop escalating its threats against Taiwan and the region, as well as to cease its attempts to unilaterally change the status quo and undermine the international maritime order. MOFA will continue to collaborate with like-minded nations such as the United States to jointly safeguard lawful uses of the sea, including the freedom of navigation and overflight, and defend regional peace, stability and prosperity. (E)

No. 287  

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung sincerely thanks the British Office Taipei, French Office in Taipei, and German Institute Taipei for issuing a joint statement on June 24 expressing concern over recent Chinese activities in the waters east of Taiwan. 

The statement stressed that these actions threatened regional stability, the freedom of navigation, and international shipping safety. It also reiterated opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo, particularly by threat or use of force or coercion. Moreover, it said that all navigational rights and freedoms, as well as the safety of seafarers and vessels, must be guaranteed and respected. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) points out that China has recently made incursions into the waters east of Taiwan and harassed and interfered with vessels, using law enforcement as a pretext to expand its power. Such actions not only lack a basis in international law but also seriously impact regional security, freedom of navigation, and the international maritime shipping order. 

Taiwan has repeatedly and solemnly condemned China’s attempts to exert pressure on it through complex threats and other means for further undermining regional peace and stability.

Upholding the spirit of this year’s G7 leaders’ statement on geopolitical issues, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany have once again taken concrete actions to show support for the maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the rules-based international order. This fully reflects the fact that ensuring peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and nearby waters is in the common interests of the international community. (E)

No. 286  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly condemns and refutes the false statements issued by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office on June 24. Its spokesperson made such absurd claims as “the reunification of China will not harm the legitimate interests of any other country, including any economic interests they might have in Taiwan.” This is utterly devoid of diplomatic common sense. 

MOFA solemnly reiterates that the ROC (Taiwan) and the People’s Republic of China are both sovereign and independent countries and that neither is subordinate to the other. Taiwan is a democratic and free society, and its future will be determined by the 23 million people of Taiwan. China has no say in this matter.

MOFA emphasizes that Taiwan interacts with other nations and engages in a variety of diplomatic activities worldwide on the basis of its national sovereignty, actively making concrete contributions to the international community. Taiwan has become an indispensable partner in safeguarding global peace and prosperity. This has never been predicated on obtaining China’s consent or satisfying any political preconditions set by Beijing.

The ROC (Taiwan) will continue to defend its national sovereignty and dignity, expand and deepen substantive relations with other countries, and strive for even greater international participation to ensure peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and the region. (E)

No. 278  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly condemns the joint statement between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of the Union of Myanmar that was issued on June 17. In the statement, Myanmar expressed support for China’s efforts to achieve “national reunification” and erroneously cited United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 to undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty. Myanmar thereby appeased and condoned China in its aim to annex Taiwan by force. This seriously undermined regional peace and stability.

MOFA reiterates that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the PRC is subordinate to the other. Taiwan will not tolerate China’s repeated attempts to use bilateral statements to spread false narratives that seek to unilaterally change the status quo through cognitive warfare.

MOFA also expresses disappointment over the fact that since its inauguration, the new government of Myanmar has continued to show deference to China. MOFA solemnly calls on Myanmar to recognize the goodwill extended by Taiwan since the establishment of its representative office in Myanmar in 2016. In particular, Taiwan has actively engaged in cooperation with various sectors of Myanmar in such areas as the economy, medicine and public health, talent development, and humanitarian assistance.

MOFA urges the newly elected government of Myanmar to heed the will of its people, take stock of their needs, and refrain from constantly acquiescing to China’s efforts to infiltrate its society and interfere in its collaboration with Taiwan, which improves its people’s well-being.

Taiwan will continue to staunchly uphold the universal values of democracy, freedom, and human rights and work with like-minded countries to jointly defend against authoritarian systems and safeguard peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. (E)

The resolution addressed the nature and forms of transnational repression, as well as counter strategies for the European Union. It discussed China’s use of extraterritorial infrastructure to conduct full and systematic surveillance, intimidation, forced returns, and other measures, drawing attention to China’s abuse of International Criminal Police Organization mechanisms. It also highlighted China’s pressure on academics to halt research regarding such sensitive issues as supply chains, forced labor practices, Tibet, and Taiwan, as well as on artists to cancel activities involving Taiwan. 

MOFA also commends the resolution for calling on the European Union and member states to strengthen coordination with like-minded partners in such areas as legislation, victim protection, attribution, and sanctions.

Transnational repression by authoritarian regimes has caused significant challenges to democratic nations and civil societies. It has undermined academic freedom, freedom of speech, and human rights protection, and jeopardized social resilience. 

MOFA is pleased that the European Parliament pays close attention to related issues and supports the European Union’s enhancement of response mechanisms. Moving forward, MOFA will continue to deepen cooperation and exchanges with the European Union and like-minded nations in such areas as information sharing, building democratic resilience, and countering authoritarian coercion.

The fact that the statement reaffirmed the G7’s support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait underscores that maintaining the status quo has become an international consensus. As a responsible democratic country in the Indo-Pacific, Taiwan will continue to work with G7 members and like-minded partners worldwide to jointly safeguard the rules-based international order and contribute to regional peace, stability, and prosperity. (E)

The Taiwanese scholars arrived in Mombasa on June 14 at the invitation of the government of Kenya, which was the host for OOC 11. They were scheduled to attend a preconference research symposium and present professional research reports. However, while completing check-in procedures at the event venue, the scholars were denied access credentials because the organizers claimed they did not recognize Taiwan passports. 

The Directorate of Immigration Services of Kenya then forcibly intervened in the matter. Despite Taiwan’s efforts to negotiate, the authorities confiscated the scholars’ passports and mobile phones and detained them for over 20 hours. Having restricted these individuals’ personal freedom and right to communicate, the authorities finally agreed to let the scholars leave the country by plane. 

The other members of Taiwan’s official delegation, which had been organized by the Ocean Affairs Council in line with established practice, were already en route to Kenya at the time of the incident but subsequently decided not to attend OOC 11, given the hostile actions of the Kenyan government and in consideration of delegation members’ safety. 

As an indispensable partner in global efforts to ensure ocean sustainability, Taiwan has participated in the OOC since 2015. Taiwan has upheld the principles of professionalism, pragmatism, and making contributions to promote exchanges and cooperation in international maritime affairs. It has also encouraged scholars to attend and share Taiwan’s marine ecological conservation efforts and research findings. 

Disregarding Taiwan’s noteworthy contributions to the OOC over the years, the Kenyan government precluded the Taiwanese scholars from attending this year’s conference, and even detained them. MOFA strongly protests the actions of host nation Kenya, which decided to serve as a political accomplice of China in direct contravention of the OOC principles of inclusivity and collaboration. This incident once again exposes China’s unreasonable and hegemonic diplomatic behavior and its maneuvering to prioritize politics over expertise on oceanic sustainability.

MOFA solemnly demands that China cease such behavior, which has undermined global cooperation on oceanic affairs. It also calls on friendly nations to take this matter seriously and engage in joint action to prevent China from escalating its diplomacy of intimidation.

A maritime nation, Taiwan has consistently been an active participant in global efforts to conserve marine ecology and ensure environmental sustainability. Taiwan does not fear and will not bow to China’s arbitrary, domineering actions. It will continue to work with the international community to promote global cooperation on oceanic affairs. (E)

MOFA also condemns Minister Wang for disregarding objective international facts and disseminating baseless narratives regarding the so-called “one China principle” when interacting with Minister Khanal.

MOFA reiterates that the ROC (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent nation and that neither it nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. No attempts to denigrate Taiwan’s sovereign status through erroneous rhetoric can change this indisputable reality.

MOFA advises Nepal’s new government to seriously consider the long-term threat posed by China to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, as this has grave implications for the security and prosperity of Nepal and the rest of the world. 

MOFA also urges Nepal to quickly open its eyes to China’s expansionism in many regions and nations globally. Beijing has led a number of nations into debt traps through inappropriate tactics antithetical to good governance and democratic principles. At the same time, it has been persecuting ethnic minorities and suppressing religious freedom within its borders. Therefore, adhering to the so-called “one China principle,” which China has been using to undermine cross-strait peace and stability, will only be detrimental to Nepal.

MOFA reiterates that Taiwan is willing to continue cooperating with all nations that support freedom, democracy, and human rights so as to jointly safeguard peace and security across the Taiwan Strait and maintain freedom and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region. (E)

The ROC (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country, and neither it nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. These are undeniable, objective facts and the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. No attempts to denigrate Taiwan’s sovereign status through erroneous narratives or joint statements can change this indisputable reality. 

MOFA once again strongly urges the world to seriously acknowledge China’s long-standing practice of utilizing various forms of coercion and incentives to undermine the sovereign decisions of other nations. These actions not only seek to suppress Taiwan, but they also pose major challenges to the global democratic system and the rules-based international order.

MOFA reiterates that Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation with all like-minded countries to staunchly defend democracy. Regardless of any economic coercion or diplomatic bullying that the ROC (Taiwan) might face, it will steadfastly maintain its stance, actively engage with the world, and comprehensively bolster national resilience. (E)

The opinion allegedly articulated by Mr. Sachs is merely the personal view of an overseas academic. It prompted strong expressions of concern and questions from a number of Taiwan-friendly members of the Eswatini Parliament, clearly demonstrating that the solid diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Eswatini enjoy extensive recognition and high levels of support from all quarters of Eswatini society.

The ROC (Taiwan) and the Kingdom of Eswatini established diplomatic ties more than half a century ago, and the two nations have long maintained close cooperation in a range of fields. Bilateral relations advanced further when President Lai Ching-te visited Eswatini in May, traveling there aboard King Mswati III’s official jet.

In remarks made in the international arena and domestically, King Mswati has continued to staunchly endorse bilateral ties. Diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Eswatini remain stable and cordial. Furthermore, in displays of close friendship with Taiwan, Prime Minister Dlamini and his wife visited Taiwan in 2024, and Prime Minister Dlamini personally greeted President Lai at the airport during his visit to Eswatini in May.

The government of Taiwan is closely monitoring China’s use of zero tariffs and other economic sweeteners as bait as it attempts to divide Taiwan and its diplomatic allies and suppress Taiwan’s international space. MOFA strongly condemns such actions. China has long made exaggerated and false economic commitments in its coercion of other nations, not only conspiring to undermine unity within nations maintaining diplomatic ties with Taiwan but also making associated promises that have proven to be worthless.

Long-term cooperation between Taiwan and Eswatini in such areas as agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, ICT, energy, and economics and trade has generated abundant results, yielding genuine benefits for the vast majority of Eswatini citizens. This is the consensus of King Mswati and Eswatini society.

Building upon this foundation and giving full play to the spirit of integrated diplomacy, Taiwan will continue to promote the development of cooperative, mutually beneficial bilateral ties, working with Eswatini to safeguard the welfare of both peoples and the friendship between both nations.

Following the illegal harassment by Chinese government vessels of cargo ships exercising their right to freedom of navigation in Taiwan’s eastern waters in recent days, this was another hostile escalation of gray-zone activities and part of a pattern of aggressive behavior that constitutes a grave threat to Taiwan’s sovereign rights and interests and maritime security, as well as regional peace.

The Chinese government’s unreasonable activities are a serious breach of international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and a flagrant attempt to undermine the international order.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) solemnly condemns China’s unlawful actions, which harm Taiwan’s sovereignty, undermine regional peace and stability, and challenge the international order.

Furthermore, MOFA reiterates that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is subordinate to the other and that the South China Sea Islands are part of the territory of the ROC. That the ROC enjoys all rights over the South China Sea Islands and their relevant waters in accordance with international law and the law of the sea is beyond dispute and challenge. The incursion of Chinese government vessels into the waters surrounding Taiping Island has severely violated Taiwan’s sovereignty and jeopardized the safety of Taiwanese vessels and personnel. China’s malicious provocations and heavy-handed actions have severely contravened the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, other international laws pertaining to maritime safety, and the law of the sea. They have blatantly challenged the international order and disrupted regional peace, security, and stability.

MOFA once again urges the international community to recognize the serious and immediate threat that China’s illegal actions pose to regional peace and stability, and to jointly counter China’s unlawful conduct. Taiwan is a party committed to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea. The government of Taiwan will continue to staunchly safeguard maritime security and continue to seek the support of like-minded nations in jointly maintaining security in the Indo-Pacific region. (E)