No. 074  

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung strongly condemns the false claims made at a press conference for the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that Taiwan affairs are China’s internal affairs and that Japan has no right to interfere in them. 

Minister Lin underlines that there is a high degree of consensus in the international community on maintaining peace and security across the Taiwan Strait, which is in the interests of all parties in the region. Taiwan and Japan share many key ideals and values. Together with other like-minded partners, they jointly strive to uphold regional and cross-strait stability, contributing to the preservation of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region.

Reiterating that the Republic of China (Taiwan) has always been an independent and sovereign country, Minister Lin states that Taiwan’s sovereignty belongs to the people of Taiwan. The People’s Republic of China has never governed Taiwan. The international community overwhelmingly recognizes that neither side is subordinate to the other. These objective facts reflect the status quo. Taiwanese society has reached a strong common understanding on these issues. No amount of rhetoric that distorts or disregards Taiwan’s sovereign status can change the reality that neither side of the Taiwan Strait is subordinate to the other.

Taiwan and Japan both uphold the values of freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. They are close friends and strong like-minded partners that enjoy long-standing public, private, and people-to-people ties. Based on these firm foundations, the two countries will continue to deepen cooperation in all spheres and promote comprehensive bilateral relations. (E)

No. 070  

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung firmly refutes erroneous remarks made by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at a press conference for the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress, including false claims that China has sovereignty over Taiwan and that unification of the two sides of the Taiwan Strait is an inevitable historical process and an international trend.

Minister Lin reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) has always been an independent and sovereign country. Neither it nor the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is subordinate to the other. Whether in terms of historical truths, objective reality, or international law, Taiwan’s sovereignty has never belonged to China. Only the 23 million people of Taiwan have the right to decide Taiwan’s future. These facts cannot be rewritten by China.

After the end of World War II, the Treaty of San Francisco was signed. As a legally binding treaty under international law, it replaced the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation, and other political instruments. In the mid-1980s Taiwan started a process of liberalization and democratization, culminating in the completion of its first direct presidential election in 1996. Since then, representatives of the executive and legislative branches of the ROC government have been elected by the people of Taiwan, making it the only legitimate authority to effectively govern and represent Taiwan externally. This also established the status quo of the ROC (Taiwan) and the PRC existing on an equal footing, with neither being subordinate to the other.

China has long misrepresented United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, repeating the fallacy that it determines that Taiwan’s sovereignty belongs to the PRC and using it as a pretext to suppress Taiwan’s international participation, which is utterly absurd. In fact, resolution was never intended to decide Taiwan’s status, let alone give the Beijing authorities the power to limit Taiwan’s international participation.

In recent years, Chinese military aircraft and ships have conducted exercises in the Taiwan Strait and around neighboring countries, seriously jeopardizing regional peace and stability. Yet, at the abovementioned press conference, Minister Wang attempted to shift the blame for recent cross-strait tensions onto Taiwan, ignoring China’s constant military provocations. China’s actions blatantly violate the principle of refraining from the threat or use of force set out in the UN Charter and have seriously disrupted global shipping, flights, and trade links. China is a troublemaker in the international community and a saboteur of peace across the Taiwan Strait.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on the Beijing authorities to respect the objective reality of the existence of the ROC (Taiwan), jointly uphold regional peace and stability, stop misleading the international community, and immediately cease its repeated and unwarranted provocations. Cross-strait relations will only be improved when China adopts a responsible attitude and engages in reasonable, rational, respectful, and equitable dialogue with the democratically elected government of Taiwan.

MOFA urges the international community to continue to support democratic Taiwan through concrete actions, jointly condemn China’s repeated attempts to unilaterally change the status quo through coercion and force, and denounce its intimidation and harassment of other countries. Taiwan, in unity with its democratic partners, will jointly uphold the democratic umbrella to collectively counter authoritarian aggression, defend universal values and the rules-based international order, and work together to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and security throughout the Indo-Pacific region. (E)

No. 058  

Addressing an event on February 16, dictatorial Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega made derogatory remarks that undermined Taiwan’s sovereignty, disparaged its reputation, and disregarded Taiwan’s substantial contributions to Nicaragua’s social and economic development prior to the severance of diplomatic ties. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues a strong protest and expresses deep regret in response to President Ortega’s continual deference and subordination to China. President Ortega’s insulting comments betray his moral bankruptcy. 

MOFA reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent nation and that neither it nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. The Chinese Communist Party regime has never governed Taiwan. This is an objective fact that constitutes the status quo across the Taiwan Strait and is commonly recognized by the international community. MOFA urges President Ortega to stop appeasing China. 

As a trustworthy global partner, Taiwan will continue to deepen alliances with other countries in the worldwide democratic camp through its approach of integrated diplomacy. (E)

No. 056  

On February 25, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a luncheon for Ambassador of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Andrea Bowman to thank her for her outstanding contributions during her tenure and to offer her his best wishes prior to her upcoming departure from Taiwan and return to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Speaking at the event, Minister Lin said that after presenting her credentials in 2019 as the first resident ambassador of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to Taiwan, Ambassador Bowman had worked tirelessly to stimulate bilateral economic and trade cooperation, high-level exchanges, and cultural ties. He added that in serving as dean of the diplomatic corps since 2022, she had been a vital link between Taiwan and its allies. Minister Lin noted that President Lai Ching-te would honor her with the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon later the same day in recognition of her achievements. He expressed hope that Ambassador Bowman would see Taiwan as her second home and frequently return to reconnect with her friends.

In her remarks, Ambassador Bowman thanked the government and people of Taiwan for their support and assistance during her tenure, saying that she had been honored to serve as the first resident ambassador of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to Taiwan and establish the country’s first permanent embassy in Asia. She noted that in her six years of service, she had witnessed the continued strengthening of bilateral ties. Ambassador Bowman added that she had been pleased to see many cooperation projects that had benefited the people of both countries and would have a profound and lasting impact on the next generation in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Members of the diplomatic corps from Latin America and the Caribbean stationed in Taiwan also attended the farewell. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Chen Ming-chi joined them in expressing sadness at Ambassador Bowman’s departure and extending best wishes to her. During the luncheon, participants engaged in a broad exchange of views on their experiences of working in Taiwan and promoting regional cooperation.

This year marks 45 years of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. In line with its policy of integrated diplomacy, Taiwan will continue to work with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to advance the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, further deepen cooperation based on the existing solid foundations, strengthen mutually beneficial ties, enhance public well-being, and promote sustainable development. (E)

No. 037  

The sixth Taiwan-US Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue (EPPD) was held in person on January 27 in Washington, DC. The high-level meeting of the EPPD was cochaired by Taiwan Minister of Economic Affairs Kung Ming-hsin and US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg. A number of senior Taiwan officials and experts attended the meeting, including Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Chen Ming-chi, Deputy Minister of Digital Affairs Isabel Hou, Political Deputy Minister of Education Liu Kuo-wei, President of the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) Chang Pei-zen, and representatives from the National Science and Technology Council and other agencies. A working-level meeting was also held on the same day to further cooperation and exchanges in all domains.

During the meeting, the two sides agreed that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait were vital to global economic security and prosperity. They also signed a joint statement on the Pax Silica Declaration and Taiwan-US economic security cooperation, underscoring Taiwan’s importance in artificial intelligence (AI) supply chains.

Moving forward, Taiwan and the United States will establish working groups on important collaboration issues and continue discussions to strengthen supply chain security and key infrastructure so as to jointly build a more secure, more prosperous, and innovation-driven Taiwan-US partnership.

This year’s EPPD covered such topics as AI supply chains, digital infrastructure, critical minerals, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) supply chains, high-tech talent development, Taiwan-US collaboration in third countries, and bilateral economic cooperation. A brief overview of the key points is provided below.

1. Ensuring AI supply chain security

Both sides agreed to jointly review partnerships between Taiwan and US enterprises in AI technology stacking projects and advanced robotics, discuss bolstering supply chain cybersecurity resilience cooperation, and foster the development and application of trusted traditional Chinese corpora for large language models. Together, Taiwan and the United States aim to shape a sovereign AI data foundation characterized by diversity and openness while exploring collaboration to advance trusted AI systems in third countries. 

2. Digital infrastructure

The United States supports Taiwan in exploring innovative communications technologies as part of a multipronged approach to increase communications resilience. Taiwan will look into working with US low-orbit satellite suppliers and collaborating with the United States to explore opportunities with partner countries in such domains as undersea cables and ICT infrastructure to boost trusted connectivity. The two countries also agreed to leverage existing Taiwan-US 5G supply chain cooperation platforms to advance substantive collaboration between industries on both sides in open networks, next-generation communications (such as 6G technologies), supply chains, and expanding into international ICT infrastructure markets.

3. Critical minerals supply chains

Both sides committed to strengthening collaboration in such areas as critical minerals mining and processing, as well as promoting bilateral technical exchanges in critical minerals refining and electronic waste recycling. Together, they aim to provide partner countries with high-standard alternative solutions and jointly enhance Taiwan-US supply chain resilience.

4. UAS supply chains

The two sides pledged to work together to build non-red supply chains and promote the commercial development, regulatory compliance, certification, and comanufacturing of UAS. Before the meeting, Taiwan’s ITRI and the US-based Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International signed an assessor license and services agreement under the Green UAS program. It will facilitate Taiwan’s UAS industry in aligning with international certification mechanisms, upgrading related domestic supply chains, and fostering overall industrial development.

5. High-tech talent development

Taiwan and the United States will continue to enhance coordination through the EPPD and other platforms, working together to further talent cultivation and skills development in the AI industry and exchanging views on the AI Academy framework.

6. Taiwan-US cooperation in third countries

In addition to collaborating with Taiwan’s diplomatic allies, the two sides agreed to explore cooperation opportunities in the Philippines, Latin America, and other regions of shared priority. The United States will continue to elevate Taiwan’s preparedness to respond to economic coercion and support of Taiwan partners that are potentially vulnerable to economic coercion.

7. Bilateral economic cooperation

Both sides agreed to steadily deepen collaboration on such issues as investment review and expediting the resolution of double taxation.

The dialogue marked the sixth round of talks under the EPPD framework since its establishment in 2020. Senior officials from various Taiwan agencies and departments traveled to the United States to attend the EPPD in person, highlighting the continued development of a comprehensive and close bilateral partnership. Both sides stated that the dialogue yielded fruitful results and said that they looked forward to continuing to deepen cooperation across domains through the mechanism to jointly improve the well-being and economic prosperity of people on both sides. (E)

No. 035  

On behalf of the government of Taiwan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a luncheon on January 27 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) to warmly welcome Paraguayan Minister of Public Health and Social Welfare María Teresa Barán and Director General of International Relations Adriana Amarilla.

Minister Lin began by welcoming Minister Barán back to Taiwan. He recalled that when he led a delegation to Paraguay in July 2025, he and Minister Barán witnessed a number of Taiwan-Paraguay joint health care cooperation projects, including a health information system under the Health Information Management Efficiency Enhancement Project—built by Taiwan’s International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF) and Cathay General Hospital—and the General Hospital of Asunción construction project. Minister Lin pointed out that these initiatives had received strong support and recognition from Paraguayan President Santiago Peña. 

Noting that Minister Barán had long been a staunch advocate for Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly, he sincerely thanked her on behalf of the government and people of Taiwan. He stated that he looked forward to steadily deepening bilateral cooperation and bringing smart medicine and health industries to Paraguay for the benefit of local people and the advancement of industrial upgrading and transformation.

Minister Barán expressed appreciation to Taiwan for assistance with the health information system project, which was launched in 2017 and had been implemented in 1,188 health care facilities in Paraguay, marking an important milestone in Taiwan-Paraguay health care cooperation. She also expressed hope that the General Hospital of Asunción, once operational, would become the new benchmark for quality health care services in Paraguay. Minister Barán underscored that Taiwan had played an indispensable role in the history of health care development in Paraguay and that it was a key contributor to the global public health system. She reiterated that Paraguay would continue to staunchly speak up for Taiwan and back its participation in the international community.

At the invitation of Minister Lin, Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Lin Ching-yi, Superintendent of Cathay General Hospital Chien Chih-cheng, Deputy Secretary General of TaiwanICDF Stephen J. H. Lee, and representatives from Taiwan’s smart medicine and health care industries were also present at the event. They exchanged views with the delegation on a broad range of issues, including AI-driven medical data analytics and telemedicine, and discussed future directions for linking the health care industries of the two countries.

The members of the delegation are visiting from January 26 to 30, during which time they hope to further their understanding of the latest developments in public health, medicine, and social welfare in Taiwan. In addition to calling at MOFA, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, TaiwanICDF, and other organizations, the delegation will tour the facilities of National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, E-Da Hospital, Taipei Zhongshan Seniors Housing and Service Center, and Hsinchu Biomedical Science Park, opening a new chapter in health care exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and Paraguay. (E)

No. 034  

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung met with a delegation from the Israel Defense and Security Forum led by former Israeli Minister of Religious Services Matan Kahana on the morning of January 27. They exchanged views on a broad range of issues, including regional developments and Taiwan-Israel cooperation.

In his speech, Minister Lin welcomed Mr. Kahana and thanked him for actively supporting Taiwan-Israel relations during his tenure as a member of the Knesset. He noted that 72 cross-party Knesset members had issued a statement backing Taiwan’s international participation for the first time last July, demonstrating the great importance that they attached to enhancing bilateral relations and fully recognizing Taiwan’s contributions to the international community. He reiterated Taiwan’s appreciation for the statement. Adding that Taiwan and Israel shared the core values of freedom and democracy, he said that he looked forward to furthering collaboration and exchanges on that basis in such domains as artificial intelligence and academic research.

Mr. Kahana stated that he was pleased to visit Taiwan at the invitation of the government and that the trip provided an opportunity to deepen his understanding of the latest developments. He also conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to Taiwan for its prompt support and assistance following the Hamas assault on October 7, 2023, as well as Iran’s attack on Israel last year. Mr. Kahana emphasized that Taiwan and Israel were like-minded partners committed to safeguarding democratic ideals. And faced with rapidly changing regional and global security dynamics, he expressed hope that bilateral exchanges would only expand in the future.

In recent years, Taiwan and Israel have steadily advanced collaboration in such areas as emerging technologies, democratic supply chain resilience, agriculture, health care, medicine, and academic exchanges. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue building on the existing solid foundation to bolster bilateral cooperation across domains. (E)

No. 030  

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a welcome banquet at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on January 23 for a delegation led by US Senator Ruben Gallego. The two sides engaged in in-depth exchanges on Taiwan-US economic and trade cooperation and the regional security situation.

In his remarks, Minister Lin welcomed Senator Gallego back to Taiwan and thanked him for his long-term support for the further development of Taiwan-US relations, in particular his role in bringing about direct flights between Taiwan and the city of Phoenix, Arizona, and in endorsing the resolution of double taxation issues. Minister Lin said that such actions demonstrated Senator Gallego’s high regard for bilateral economic and trade links. 

Minister Lin also pointed out that the trade relationship between Taiwan and the US continues to grow stronger, with the two sides completing tariff negotiations recently. He expressed hope that this would create more opportunities for collaboration based on the existing foundation and for jointly building secure, reliable, and resilient supply chains. He added that the recently launched direct flights between Taipei and Phoenix would serve as an important bridge for bilateral business, technological, educational, and cultural exchanges. This, Minister Lin concluded, would lead to even closer bilateral ties. 

Meanwhile, Senator Gallego expressed his pleasure at witnessing ties between Taiwan and Arizona grow closer. He noted that he had called for direct flights on a previous visit to Taiwan in 2018, adding that taking a direct flight for this journey had been very meaningful. He pledged to continue to support stronger people-to-people exchanges in the future.

Senator Gallego further emphasized that Taiwan’s sovereignty and independence enjoyed strong bipartisan support in the United States. He affirmed President Lai Ching-te’s proposed defense budget, which he said had garnered significant attention in Washington, DC. He explained that Taiwan’s increased investment in defense and asymmetric warfare demonstrated to the United States that Taiwan was determined to upgrade its self-defense capabilities. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the delegation led by Senator Gallego and thanks the US Congress for its long-term support of Taiwan through concrete actions. Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation with the US administration, Congress, and friends across all sectors to promote bilateral relations and advance regional peace, stability, and prosperity. (E)

No. 028

On behalf of the government of Taiwan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung conferred the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon on Secretary General of the House of Representatives of the Philippines Cheloy E. Velicaria-Garafil on January 23. The award was granted at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and recognizes Secretary General Velicaria-Garafil’s remarkable contributions to strengthening the partnership between Taiwan and the Philippines when she served as Chairperson and Resident Representative of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO). 

In his remarks, Minister Lin pointed out that Secretary General Velicaria-Garafil had played a pivotal role in advancing Taiwan-Philippines relations. He expressed appreciation that during her tenure she had facilitated the signing and issuance of Memorandum Circular No. 82 by the Philippine government, which eased restrictions on official interactions, as well as the granting of 14-day visa-free entry for Taiwan nationals visiting the Philippines for business and tourism, thus overcoming a barrier that had stood for many years. Minister Lin noted that these achievements contributed greatly to deepening bilateral friendship and exchanges in various areas. 

He said that building upon the existing solid foundation, Taiwan would continue to work with the Philippine government to advance collaboration in such areas as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, smart agriculture, clean energy, talent development, and tourism. He added that Taiwan would promote the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project in line with the policy of integrated diplomacy to continue to foster mutual benefits and shared prosperity as well as to jointly bolster and safeguard the peace, prosperity, and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.

In her remarks, Secretary General Velicaria-Garafil thanked the government of Taiwan, the business community, and other groups for their strong support during her tenure. This, she said, had helped transform what had been previously regarded as impossible into tangible outcomes. She added that in her heart, Taiwan had become like a second home and that she would continue to advance Taiwan-Philippines relations in her new position and advocate for Taiwan as a friend of the country.

Following the ceremony, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Baushuan Ger hosted a banquet for Secretary General Velicaria-Garafil on behalf of MOFA, expressing high regard for her outstanding contributions in elevating Taiwan-Philippines relations during her time in Taiwan. (E)

No. 016  

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung on January 15 met with member of the Japanese House of Representatives and former Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato. The delegation also included Representative Kosaburo Nishime, who formerly served as minister of reconstruction, and Representative Junji Fukuhara. The two sides engaged in exchanges on such issues as the regional situation, economic security and resilience, and Taiwan-Japan interactions.

In his remarks during the meeting, Minister Lin began by welcoming Representative Kato and the delegation. Thanking Mr. Kato for helping facilitate Japan’s donation of vaccines to Taiwan during the COVID-19 pandemic during his tenure as chief cabinet secretary, Minister Lin said that the Taiwanese people remained deeply grateful for this gesture. He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the government of Japan for having emphasized the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait at key international forums on numerous occasions.

Minister Lin went on to state that he looked forward to Taiwan and Japan signing a free trade agreement and economic partnership agreement at the earliest possible juncture, as well as Japan assisting in Taiwan’s timely accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, which he said would deepen the two countries’ economic partnership and help them jointly advance regional prosperity. Adding that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s focus on the growth of 17 strategic sectors enjoyed many similarities with President Lai Ching-te’s Five Trusted Industry Sectors, he said he hoped that Taiwan and Japan would continue to deepen cooperation and exchanges in related fields.

During his remarks, Representative Kato observed that Taiwan and Japan were important partners that shared universal values. Noting that true friendship is demonstrated in times of adversity, Mr. Kato thanked Taiwan for its assistance following the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes and for providing Japan with medical masks, pulse oximeters, oxygen concentrators, and other medical equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic. He added that he had been delighted to learn that more than six million visits had been made to Japan by Taiwanese travelers in 2024 and that this number had risen further by 10 percent in 2025. He said he believed that personal and economic exchanges between Taiwan and Japan would grow even closer moving forward.

This is Representative Kato’s first visit to Taiwan. Mr. Kato is an influential figure who has long occupied a central role in Japanese politics. In addition to previously serving as chief cabinet secretary under Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, he has also held such posts as minister of health, labour and welfare and minister of finance. (E)

No. 014  

On behalf of the government, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a luncheon on January 13 to warmly welcome a five-member delegation of Canadian parliamentarians. During the luncheon, the two sides exchanged views on regional developments and the deepening of bilateral economic and trade exchanges and various forms of cooperation.

In his remarks, Minister Lin noted that this was the first time a Canadian parliamentary delegation had traveled to Taiwan since Canada’s federal election last year and that the timing of the visit demonstrated the enduring friendship between the two countries. He also reiterated that Taiwan welcomed Canada’s expression of concern over China’s recent large-scale military exercises, as well as Canada’s repeated dispatch of naval vessels through the Taiwan Strait over the past three years, demonstrating Canada’s firm commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. Minister Lin declared that Taiwan, standing on the front line against the expansion of authoritarianism, would continue to collaborate with Canada and other democratic allies to jointly defend their shared values and way of life.

In addition, Minister Lin emphasized that Taiwan and Canada were natural partners due to their shared values and highly complementary economic structures. He then conveyed the hope that the two countries would advance hand in hand as they moved toward an era of AI-driven innovation.

Melissa Lantsman, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, pointed out that Taiwan was a trustworthy partner in the areas of democracy and innovation and that the visit aimed to convey the strong support of the Canadian parliament and to enhance bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, supply chain resilience, and innovation. She added that Canada backed Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations and looked forward to the two countries jointly addressing the challenges of transnational repression and disinformation. 

Moreover, Ms. Lantsman asserted that, in facing the growing severity of authoritarian pressure, building economic and social resilience grounded in democratic values would be the best course of action. She also remarked that this visit highlighted the importance of bilateral interaction, dialogue, and consistency and that her country hoped that Taiwan and Canada would continue bolstering mutually beneficial bilateral relations in the future.

MOFA thanks the Canadian parliament for its long-standing, concrete, and staunch support for Taiwan. Looking ahead, Taiwan will continue to promote interaction and exchange with Canada and work with it to strengthen the international order based on democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. (E)

No. 013  

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung held a banquet on the evening of January 13 to welcome a delegation led by Mayor Kate Gallego of the US city of Phoenix, Arizona. In addition to meeting with President Lai Ching-te and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, the delegation will call at the Tainan City and Taipei City governments and engage in exchanges with representatives of Taiwan’s high-tech industries, advancing bilateral economic and trade cooperation and exploring opportunities for further collaboration.

During his remarks at the banquet, Minister Lin said that Taiwan’s key advantages in such high-tech industries as semiconductors, AI, and advanced manufacturing allowed it to play a crucial role in global supply chains and serve as a trustworthy, cooperative partner to the United States in the domain of science and technology. Noting that Phoenix and the state of Arizona had become a significant focus for Taiwanese enterprises in recent years, he said that bilateral cooperation in the high-tech sector continued to expand.

Minister Lin went on to welcome Starlux Airlines’ launch of direct flights from Taipei to Phoenix, which he said would facilitate smoother flows of people, goods, and capital and thereby strengthen industrial links. He added that Taiwan and Phoenix would continue to promote industrial cooperation and talent exchanges, deepening their bilateral partnership and building even more resilient high-tech supply chains.

Also speaking at the banquet, Mayor Gallego thanked the government of Taiwan for its invitation and said that her visit, coming at an important moment in the development of Taiwan-US cooperation in the high-tech sector, demonstrated the close ties between Taiwan and Phoenix. She said that following Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s announcement of a US$165 billion investment, Phoenix would continue to work with Taiwan to deepen high-tech collaboration and ensure supply chain resilience.

Mayor Gallego also said that she looked forward to both sides continuing to promote cooperation on education, training, and youth exchanges, as well as exploring opportunities for collaboration in such cutting-edge fields as aerospace, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. She said that this would allow people on both sides to share in the fruits of cooperation.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) welcomes the delegation led by Mayor Gallego as she makes her third visit to Taiwan. MOFA looks forward to working with Phoenix and the state of Arizona to deepen the existing partnership and jointly promote supply chain resilience, industrial cooperation, and bilateral investment, together advancing the steady development of Taiwan-US economic and trade relations. (E)

No. 005  

In a statement posted on its official X account—Foreign Policy CAN—on January 2, Global Affairs Canada expressed the country’s concern over China’s recent large-scale military exercises around Taiwan. Adding to the concerns expressed in recent days by the United States, Japan, the European Union, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and other countries, the statement by Canada once again demonstrates the democratic community’s clear position in support of maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung expresses sincere appreciation for Canada’s statement.

Entitled “Statement on China’s decision to undertake large-scale military drills around Taiwan,” Global Affairs Canada’s statement said that Canada opposed any unilateral attempts to change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. It added that the Taiwan Strait was indispensable to the security and prosperity of the international community and that it was in the interest of all parties to maintain the peaceful and accessible nature of this waterway.

Minister Lin appreciates and thanks the Canadian government for conveying concern over China’s military actions, which have heightened cross-strait tensions. The expression of concern showcases Canada’s firm stance on maintaining the cross-strait status quo and demonstrates that upholding peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is the international consensus and a key interest for all concerned. The United Nations Charter clearly prohibits the threat or use of force in the settlement of disputes. This principle applies equally to the waters of the Taiwan Strait and those along the first island chain. 

Taiwan will continue to work with Canada and other like-minded countries to safeguard the rules-based international order and jointly advance global and regional peace, stability, and prosperity. (E)

No. 552  

In a statement issued on December 31 regarding China’s military exercises around Taiwan, the Department of National Defense of the Philippines said that the Philippines was deeply concerned by China’s increasingly intensive coercive actions targeting Taiwan and that such actions undermined regional peace and stability, further exacerbating tensions in an already fragile geopolitical environment. It also said that China’s heightened scale of coercion had implications that extended beyond cross-strait relations and into the broader Indo-Pacific community. 

In the statement, the Philippines also called on China to observe basic principles of self-restraint, uphold international law and regional norms, and resolve differences through peaceful means without deception, coercion, or intimidation. It also reaffirmed its support for a free, open, stable, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. 

Following public reaffirmations in August by Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. and the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs of their position attaching great importance to Taiwan Strait peace and stability, the statement marked another instance of the government of the Philippines publicly expressing concern over peace and stability around the waterway. 

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung sincerely thanks the Philippines, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and other like-minded countries in the Indo-Pacific region and around the globe for once again clearly demonstrating their support and high regard for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and for articulating a clear position on maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan appreciates all countries continuing to pay attention to the Taiwan Strait situation. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates that upholding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is the international consensus and that China’s unilateral military intimidation of Taiwan lacks any legitimacy or legality. As a force for good in the international community, Taiwan will continue to work with like-minded countries to jointly promote global and Indo-Pacific peace, stability, and prosperity. (E)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has received official notification from the United States government that its executive branch has informed Congress of an arms sale to Taiwan totaling US$11.1 billion. The sale covers eight items: the Taiwan Tactical Network and Team Awareness Kit; AH-1W helicopter spare and repair parts and related equipment; M109A7 self-propelled howitzers; the additional procurement of high mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS) and related equipment; the additional procurement of tube-launched, optically tracked, wire-guided (TOW) missiles; antiarmor UAV missile systems for the army; the Javelin missile system and related equipment; and Harpoon missile repair follow-on support and related equipment for the navy.

This is the second arms sale to Taiwan announced during the second Trump administration. The sale once again demonstrates the United States’ staunch dedication to fulfilling its security commitments to Taiwan in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances. It continues a policy of normalized arms sales to Taiwan, assisting Taiwan in maintaining sufficient self-defense capabilities and building a strong deterrent force.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung welcomes the sale and extends sincere gratitude to the United States for its long-standing support for regional security and for Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities. Minister Lin also appreciates that the United States is taking concrete action to reflect the importance that its latest National Security Strategy places on Taiwan’s strategic position and on strengthening Taiwan’s military capabilities so as to deter conflict across the Taiwan Strait.

MOFA emphasizes that, in the face of China’s frequent military activities and acts of gray-zone provocation and harassment throughout the region, Taiwan has upheld its dedication to peace and freedom and will continue to enhance national defense and demonstrate its firm resolve to defend itself. Taiwan will also continue to deepen cooperation with the United States and other security partners and bolster its defense capabilities and resilience. It welcomes concrete actions by the international community to jointly advance peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and throughout the region. (E)

No. 511  

US President Donald Trump formally signed the Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act on December 2 following its passage through the US House of Representatives and its unanimous approval by the US Senate on May 5 and November 18, respectively. This is the first item of pro-Taiwan legislation enacted under President Trump’s second administration.

To ensure the continued and steady development of Taiwan-US relations, the legislation further bolsters the implementation of the Taiwan Assurance Act of 2020 by requiring that the US Department of State conduct a regular review of guidance governing relations with Taiwan and submit an updated report to the US Congress not less than every five years.

The smooth progression of this stand-alone legislation during the condensed timeframe of the current session of the US Congress demonstrates strong bipartisan support from the US Congress and executive branch for the deepening of Taiwan-US relations. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung sincerely welcomes this development and thanks the United States for its support.

Building on the excellent foundation of Taiwan-US relations and adhering to the principles of mutual trust, mutual benefit, and mutual interest, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to maintain close contact with the US Congress and executive branch and steadily advance the cooperative global partnership between the two sides in a range of fields. (E)

No. 510  

Saint Lucia, a diplomatic ally of the ROC (Taiwan), successfully held general elections on December 1. The ruling Saint Lucia Labour Party emerged victorious and its leader, Philip J. Pierre, will return as prime minister and form a new government. ROC (Taiwan) Ambassador to Saint Lucia Nicole Ying-chun Su has conveyed sincere congratulations on behalf of the government and people of Taiwan to Prime Minister Pierre and the newly elected members of parliament.

The open, transparent, and peaceful electoral process fully demonstrated the firm commitment of the government and people of Saint Lucia to upholding democratic values.

Since restoring diplomatic ties in 2007, Taiwan and Saint Lucia have enjoyed a close and cordial relationship with frequent high-level reciprocal visits. The government of Saint Lucia firmly supports Taiwan’s international participation. Close cooperation between the two countries has yielded fruitful results in areas such as agriculture, tourism, the economy, trade, medicine, health, and the economic empowerment of women and youths. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to build on the foundations of friendship between the two sides to further deepen collaboration with Prime Minister Pierre’s new administration and advance the welfare of the people of both nations. (E)

No. 508  

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, a diplomatic ally of the Republic of China (Taiwan), held parliamentary elections on November 27. The New Democratic Party (NDP) emerged victorious and Godwin Friday, its leader, will serve as prime minister and form a new government. Following the election, ROC (Taiwan) Ambassador to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Fiona Huei-chun Fan promptly conveyed sincere congratulations on behalf of the government and people of Taiwan to Prime Minister Friday and the newly elected members of parliament.

The electoral process was peaceful and smooth. The people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines completed voting through an open, transparent, and peaceful democratic mechanism, demonstrating their staunch belief in safeguarding democracy as well as their mature and stable political culture.

Taiwan and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines share the common values  of democracy, freedom, and human rights. Since establishing diplomatic relations 44 years ago, the two countries have enjoyed a steadfast friendship. They have achieved remarkable results in a variety of bilateral cooperation projects—covering such domains as agriculture, food security, infrastructure, health care, ICT, and women’s empowerment—which have been highly recognized by all sectors of society. 

The Taiwan government will continue to work hand in hand with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on the basis of the existing solid foundation and in line with the policy of integrated diplomacy to deepen collaboration under the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project as well as to advance coprosperity, mutually beneficial ties, public well-being, and sustainable development. (E)

No. 503  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia on November 26 issued a statement repudiating the potential establishment of a Colombian office in Taiwan and presenting an incorrect narrative that made false claims about Taiwan’s sovereign status. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) strongly protests the statement.

MOFA reiterates that the ROC (Taiwan) is a sovereign, independent nation; that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other; and that the PRC has never governed Taiwan. These are objective facts widely recognized by the international community, as well as the cross-strait status quo. The Colombian government’s disregard for the right and desire of the Taiwanese people to pursue freedom and democracy contradicts Colombia’s long-standing position of urging the international community to respect other nations’ right to self-determination. MOFA calls on the government of Colombia to uphold the principles of diplomatic autonomy and national dignity and to refrain from echoing false claims propagated by the authoritarian Chinese government.

Regarding the Colombian government using the inappropriate “one China principle” as a pretext for its self-imposed restriction on the opening of an office in Taiwan, MOFA reminds Colombia that it previously opened a commercial office in Taiwan in 1995, which was closed in 2002 due to financial difficulties faced by its own government. This fact demonstrates that opening an office in Taiwan would not contravene Colombia’s long-standing diplomatic policy. As Taiwan is the world’s 21st-largest economy, the reopening of a Colombian office in Taiwan would help Colombian businesses build a stronger presence in the Taiwan market and allow them to leverage the operational networks of Taiwanese companies in Asia so as to facilitate their regional expansion. This would be mutually beneficial, especially for Colombia. 

MOFA urges the Colombian government to heed the voices of its people as conveyed by the Colombian lawmakers and to give pragmatic consideration to the establishment of an office in Taiwan so as to strengthen bilateral economic and trade exchanges. This action would best support the well-being of its people. (E)

No. 500  

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a dinner on November 25 to welcome a delegation led by Óscar Mauricio Giraldo Hernández and Álvaro Mauricio Londoño Lugo, chairs of the foreign affairs committees of the Colombian Senate and Chamber of Representatives, respectively. Minister Lin extended cordial greetings on behalf of the government of Taiwan and thanked the two chairs for their long-term support for Taiwan’s international participation and for promoting bilateral exchanges between Taiwan and Colombia.

Welcoming the chairs and their spouses on their first visit to Taiwan, Minister Lin pointed out that Colombia was an important trading partner for Taiwan in Latin America. Noting that the two nations shared such universal values as democracy, freedom, and the rule of law, he remarked that there was great potential for cooperation in areas including green energy, smart agriculture, and digital innovation.

Minister Lin added that in recent years, mutual exchanges through performances by artists and orchestras had drawn the peoples of the two nations closer. He said he hoped that through this trip to Taiwan, the delegation would become better acquainted with current developments in Taiwan in a range of areas and explore further opportunities for deepening collaboration.

Mr. Giraldo said that through this visit, he was delighted to understand the progress of Taiwan’s semiconductor, AI, and smart health care sectors and to witness how the people of Taiwan created opportunities through knowledge. He said that he would continue to promote more exchanges and cooperation between the two countries going forward.

Mr. Londoño praised the resilience of the Taiwanese people, as well as their impressive achievements in technology and public health, exchanging in-depth opinions with other guests on the successful operation of Taiwan’s National Health Insurance system.

Both chairs said that Taiwan and Colombia should develop a closer cooperative relationship. They emphasized that they would use their positions in the Colombian Congress to promote the establishment of a Colombian office in Taiwan, as well as the strengthening of bilateral trade, business, people-to-people, and cultural exchanges.

The Colombian congressional delegation is visiting Taiwan from November 24 to 28. In addition to calling at the Legislative Yuan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the International Cooperation and Development Fund, and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council, the group’s itinerary also includes visits to the Garden of Hope Foundation and Yuanxian Smart Farm, which will continue to drive an increase in cooperation and exchanges. (E)

No. 491  

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung met with a delegation from Paraguay led by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Víctor Alfredo Verdún Bitar on the morning of November 24. Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Baushuan Ger hosted a luncheon for the group, extending a warm welcome to the visitors on behalf of the government of Taiwan. The delegation included Director General of Bilateral Policy Raúl Mariano Martínez Villalba and Director General of Press Advisory Services Osmar Gómez Román.

In his remarks, Minister Lin welcomed Vice Minister Verdún, who was leading a delegation on his first visit to Taiwan. Speaking on behalf of the people and government of Taiwan, Minister Lin again thanked Paraguayan President Santiago Peña and the government of Paraguay for making over 50 statements in public and at international events supporting bilateral diplomatic relations and backing Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. 

Minister Lin pointed out that President Lai Ching-te attached great importance to the results of cooperation between Taiwan and Paraguay. He added that President Lai had instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to continue working with the government of Paraguay under the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project to jointly promote partnership programs in such areas as smart health care, new energy, carbon credit cooperation, and smart new agriculture, as well as to expand economic and trade investment and collaboration. Minister Lin said that this would make the Taiwan-Paraguay relationship a model of international cooperation and exchanges. 

In response, Vice Minister Verdún thanked Taiwan for its long-standing assistance in technological advancement, talent development, public health, medical care, and other spheres. Emphasizing President Peña’s staunch support for Taiwan-Paraguay diplomatic ties, he added that both countries shared the values of freedom, democracy, and human rights, which should not be sacrificed for economic and trade interests. Vice Minister Verdún said that Paraguay wanted to demonstrate to the world that standing with Taiwan was the right choice and that Paraguay would continue to join other like-minded nations in backing Taiwan’s participation in the international community.

Speaking at the luncheon that he hosted on behalf of Minister Lin, Vice Minister Ger noted that Paraguay offered an attractive investment environment and had the advantage of being a gateway to access the regional market. He said that the government of Taiwan was developing appropriate policies to encourage companies to invest in Paraguay. Vice Minister Ger expressed hope that, based on the existing solid foundations of cooperation, the two sides would further develop economic and trade opportunities to benefit the businesses and people of both countries. 

During his remarks, Vice Minister Verdún applauded the results of bilateral collaboration and exchanges across all fields and commended the memorandum of understanding on carbon credit cooperation, signed by the two nations in October, as a forward-looking and strategic document. He added that he was pleased by the popularity of Paraguayan beef and pork in the Taiwanese market. Vice Minister Verdún reiterated Paraguay’s firm support for Taiwan’s international participation and exchanged views with other guests on an extensive range of issues, including economics, trade, agriculture, medical care, and technology.

Over the 68 years that Taiwan and Paraguay have been diplomatic allies, they have engaged in broad-ranging cooperation across areas including talent development, public health, medical care, agricultural technology, and technological advancement. The outcomes of collaboration are widely recognized and appreciated by the Paraguayan people and government. Paraguay has long endorsed Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, and President Peña has strongly spoken up for Taiwan at the United Nations General Assembly for several years running, demonstrating the rock-solid, mutually beneficial, and reciprocal partnership between the two countries. (E)

No. 467  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has received official notification from the United States government that its executive branch has informed Congress of an approximately US$330 million arms sale to Taiwan, including nonstandard components and accessories for aircraft of Taiwan’s air force. This arms sale once again demonstrates that the United States continues to honor its security commitments to Taiwan as outlined in the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung welcomes the sale and expresses sincere gratitude for the bipartisan support from the US administration and Congress. This shows that the United States attaches great importance to cross-strait peace and stability and Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities.

The latest arms sale is the first one to be announced by the second Trump administration. It continues the US policy of normalized arms sales and underscores the US commitment to enhancing Taiwan’s defense capabilities and resilience. High-ranking US officials have repeatedly emphasized that the United States will continue to safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and oppose unilateral changes to the status quo.

In the face of China’s expanding military power, frequent military activities, and gray-zone coercion, Taiwan has consistently upheld its dedication to peace and freedom and demonstrated a firm resolve to defend itself. President Lai Ching-te has announced that Taiwan’s defense budget will exceed three percent of GDP by 2026 and reach five percent by 2030. 

MOFA stresses that Taiwan will further deepen cooperation with the United States and other security partners and bolster its defense capabilities and resilience. It also welcomes concrete actions by the international community to jointly advance peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and the region. (E)

No. 464 

At a regular press conference on November 12, a spokesperson of China’s Taiwan Affairs Office stated that Taiwan could only participate in next year’s APEC activities as a regional economy under the so-called “one China principle.” China will serve as the host economy for APEC in 2026.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) emphasizes that this statement is a serious departure from the facts concerning Taiwan’s APEC involvement, not only exposing China’s malicious intention to suppress and undermine Taiwan’s equal participation in APEC but also disrupting harmony within the organization.

Taiwan formally became a full member economy of APEC in 1991 under the name Chinese Taipei through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) of accession with that year’s host economy, the Republic of Korea. The text of the MOU, which did not refer to any “one China principle,” made clear that Taiwan would participate in APEC meetings and activities with other member economies on an equal basis.

It is also understood that in the MOU signed in relation to China’s accession to the organization, APEC only took note of China’s so-called “one China principle” and its position that there is a distinction between sovereign states and regional economies. APEC did not express agreement with or acceptance of such a stance.

Furthermore, all APEC member economies, including China, unanimously supported the inclusion of the following text in joint ministerial statements issued following APEC Ministerial Meetings this year and in 2024: “We attach great importance to APEC’s continued cooperation in the spirit of multilateralism, on the basis of consensus with all members participating on an equal footing in all its events, including Leaders’ Week, in accordance with the Guidelines for Hosting APEC Meetings and Relevant APEC Conventions.”

During last year’s APEC Economic Leaders’ Week, China’s APEC senior official sent a letter to all APEC member economies extending explicit assurances that “participants meeting APEC delegates requirements and conducting APEC cooperation and responsibilities will be facilitated smooth and safe participation in APEC meetings, including entry and exit facilitation.”

MOFA reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent state, that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other, and that the PRC has never ruled Taiwan. These are internationally accepted, objective facts and the status quo. China has no right to comment on or interfere in the sovereign actions of other nations. Its use of the so-called “one China principle” to undermine Taiwan’s participation and status is a grave violation of the core principle of APEC member economies participating on an equal basis.

MOFA firmly demands that China carry out its duties as APEC host economy satisfactorily; fulfill its commitments properly in accordance with APEC guidelines, standards, and practices; and guarantee Taiwanese participants equal, dignified, and safe involvement in next year’s APEC meetings and activities. Taiwan will not accept any political maneuvers aimed at undermining or excluding its participation and will work with like-minded partners to oppose such moves. (E)