MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

April 26, 2026  No.162  On the morning of April 25, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung, acting as President Lai Ching-te’s special envoy, visited the planned site for the first phase of the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park (TIIP) project in Eswatini. Minister Lin and Eswatini cabinet members Prince Lonkhokhela, Minister of Natural Resources and Energy; Manqoba Khumalo, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade; and Savannah Maziya, Minister of Information, Communication and Technology, received progress reports on a strategic oil reserve facility and the TIIP. They also witnessed Tex-Ray Chairman Ray Lin, representing Taiwanese businesses, and Eswatini sign a letter of intent to set up operations and invest in the TIIP. The LOI further deepened the economic and trade partnership between the countries.

In his remarks, Minister Lin recalled his trip to Eswatini as presidential envoy in April 2025, during which King Mswati III used the Swazi word nkwe (accelerated progress) to convey high hopes for bilateral cooperation. Minister Lin said that the king’s expectations had translated into tangible results, with construction of the strategic oil reserve facility staying on schedule and some 60 Taiwanese companies visiting Eswatini to explore investment opportunities since the launch of the TIIP last April. He added that several Taiwanese firms in key sectors such as textiles, packaging, pharmaceuticals, and solar power had signed LOIs during this trip to move into the TIIP. Minister Lin stressed that the investments showed how the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project could successfully align the need for Taiwanese businesses to expand globally with Eswatini’s need for industrial upgrading. It had also achieved the aim of creating mutual benefits for both countries, Minister Lin added.

Explaining the core idea behind the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, Minister Lin said the policy promoted public-private partnerships and encouraged large enterprises to support smaller ones. He added that this would expand government-to-government diplomatic ties to include closer business-to-business partnerships. Minister Lin underlined that this model would serve as a benchmark for other African states and create a combined fleet and team of teams to strengthen strategic links between Taiwan and countries in Africa.

Speaking on behalf of Eswatini, Minister Khumalo conveyed sincere gratitude to Taiwan for its long-standing support of infrastructure projects and emphasized the deep and enduring ties between the two countries. He said the oil reserve facility and the TIIP were of immense strategic importance to Eswatini in promoting economic transformation and energy security. Minister Khumalo stressed that the initiatives were highly representative of bilateral cooperation. He said that the LOI, which he signed on behalf of Eswatini with the Taiwanese business representative, had brought bilateral cooperation to new heights and injected momentum into Eswatini’s industrial upgrading.

Under the framework of the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will further deepen comprehensive cooperation with Eswatini in economics, trade, energy, technology, and other spheres. Taiwan will continue to work with Eswatini to achieve prosperity and steadily enhance strategic partnerships in Africa. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly condemns absurd claims by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office regarding President Lai’s upcoming visit to Eswatini

Date：2026-04-16
Data Source：Department of Policy Planning

April 16, 2026  
No. 147  
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) solemnly 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. Foreign visits by Taiwan’s president are a common occurrence and align with international practices. China has no right to comment on such matters. President Lai Ching-te is the democratically elected head of state of the ROC (Taiwan), making it even more inappropriate for China to maliciously disparage his overseas travel.
 
Taiwan has the right to freely choose to engage and develop ties with other countries. It will not accept any interference or suppression from other countries for any reason, nor will it succumb to intimidation and impose limits on its own international engagement. Despite the expansionism and intensifying coercion of authoritarian governments, Taiwan will not cower. Instead, it will continue to confidently interact with the world.
 
China has fiercely and relentlessly tried to diplomatically isolate Taiwan and undermine Taiwan’s international legal personality. This has not only impeded the positive development of cross-strait relations but also undermined the interests of the people of Taiwan. MOFA urges Beijing to immediately cease engaging in such actions, causing trouble in the international community, and sabotaging cross-strait relations. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to US Secretary of State Rubio’s interview on Trump-Xi summit

May 15, 2026  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) continues to pay close attention to interactions between the United States and China.
 
In an interview in Beijing on May 14 concerning the summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized once again that the United States’ long-standing policy on Taiwan had remained unchanged across multiple presidential terms and administrations. He stressed that President Trump’s administration had continued to make arms sales to Taiwan since taking power and that arms sales had not featured prominently in discussions during the meeting. Mr. Rubio further reiterated that the United States opposed any change to the status quo by compulsion or force and emphasized that any disruption of regional stability would be detrimental to the United States, China, and the entire world.
 
MOFA also notes that Mr. Rubio pointed out that China’s objective in significantly expanding its military strength was not only to target Taiwan but to project power globally. To this day, People’s Liberation Army aircraft and vessels continue to operate around the Taiwan Strait and engage in various gray-zone harassment and military threats, showing the major risk that Beijing currently poses to regional peace and stability.
 
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung thanks the United States for clarifying on numerous occasions that it supports and values Taiwan Strait peace and stability, and for reiterating once again that its policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will continue to strengthen its self-defense capabilities and staunchly cooperate with the United States and all other freedom-loving democracies to jointly defend peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and throughout the region. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to false online claims regarding Taiwan’s aid to Eswatini and recruitment of migrant workers

May 7, 2026  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) firmly refutes recent posts on internet forums that cited a report from the Times of Eswatini, which falsely claimed that Taiwan provided more than NT$24 billion in aid to Eswatini over three months and that it would recruit 1,000 migrant workers from Eswatini annually. This is a classic case of disinformation. The posts have no basis in fact and are not substantiated by any concrete evidence.

MOFA solemnly adds that such posts are deliberately created by individuals who aim to sow discord and spread discriminatory rhetoric, attempting to undermine Taiwan’s relations with its diplomatic allies and damage its international image. In response to the intentional dissemination of disinformation, MOFA will seek to hold those involved legally accountable and continue to collect evidence for use in investigation and prosecution by police authorities.

Taiwan-Eswatini cooperation projects are based on mutual trust and common interests. They are established through consultations between the two governments and tailored to Eswatini’s development needs. Taiwan’s cooperation projects with its diplomatic allies have consistently upheld the principles and spirit of capacity building and mutual assistance for mutual benefit, offering Eswatini access to Taiwan’s competitive industries and development experience and striving to improve the well-being of local people. Furthermore, all budget allocations are subject to strict oversight and review by the Legislative Yuan, with regular auditing mechanisms in place to ensure the efficiency and transparency of project implementation. MOFA urges the public not to believe unverified rumors.

Regarding Taiwan’s assistance with the industrial park project in Eswatini, the core objectives are to boost Eswatini’s economy and help Taiwan enterprises expand globally. Private sector investment is influenced by international trade and regional situations—making it highly variable—and actual implementation is subject to market conditions. The government merely plays a matchmaking and facilitation role. MOFA does not comment on unverified estimates of private investment.

MOFA emphasizes that migrant workers arriving in Taiwan from any country must meet the stringent medical and epidemic prevention standards of the competent authorities. Moreover, all labor cooperation between Taiwan and other countries prioritizes the protection of Taiwan’s national security and public health while also considering such factors as filling labor shortages in specific domestic industries and promoting bilateral professional and technical exchanges.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to sentencing of Jimmy Lai, founder of Hong Kong media outlet Next Digital

February 10, 2026

Jimmy Lai, the founder of Hong Kong media outlet Next Digital, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on February 9 under Hong Kong’s National Security Law. In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) urges the international community to collectively and strongly condemn the Chinese government and the Hong Kong government for using national security as a pretext to once again suppress and undermine the freedom and human rights of the people of Hong Kong. 

This action by the Chinese and Hong Kong governments not only violates international human rights standards but also contravenes the spirit of international law, clearly denying individuals their rightful liberty and squashing the freedom of the press and freedom of speech. It also denies the people’s fundamental right to demand accountability of their leaders, demonstrates Beijing’s extreme disregard for freedom and human rights, and highlights its attempts to create a chilling effect. 

MOFA notes that the governments and all sectors of society of the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, and other countries, as well as the United Nations, the European Union, and various international human rights organizations, have voiced grave concern over the case and have pointed out that China has withdrawn from its international commitments and eroded freedom and human rights. Moreover, they have called for the immediate humanitarian parole or unconditional release of Mr. Lai. 

MOFA urges the international community to continue paying close attention to developments in Hong Kong regarding democracy, freedom, and human rights and demanding that China promptly stop undermining freedom and human rights. Meanwhile, Taiwan will continue to work closely with its allies and partners to jointly uphold the line of defense for freedom and democracy.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement between PRC and Uruguay

February 4, 2026  
 
Chinese leader Xi Jinping met with Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi on February 3. Following the meeting, China and Uruguay issued a joint statement which blatantly ignored objective reality and contained statements that gravely distorted the facts, including claiming that Taiwan was an inalienable part of China’s territory. 
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) solemnly protests and condemns the Chinese government’s repeated dissemination of malicious rhetoric in the international community and its efforts to denigrate Taiwan’s sovereignty. MOFA also expresses deep regret over the Uruguayan government’s subservience to China and alignment with its political position.
 
MOFA reiterates that the Republic of China (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. Any attempt to distort Taiwan’s sovereign status or claim sovereignty over Taiwan based on false narratives is erroneous and unacceptable. China continues to use threats, enticements, and rhetorical manipulation to spread disinformation at international events. This not only seriously challenges the world order and peace, it also clearly underscores the malignant nature of China’s authoritarian interference in the affairs of other nations. Countries everywhere should pay close heed.
 
MOFA calls on the government of Uruguay to recognize the true intentions behind China’s global expansion of influence, to stop being complicit in China’s disregard for the facts, and to refrain from endorsing its intentionally aggressive statements that seek to undermine regional peace and stability. MOFA urges Uruguay to adopt a pragmatic and open attitude and work with Taiwan and other democratic nations in jointly safeguarding peace, stability, and prosperity worldwide.
 
Taiwan’s sovereignty belongs to the people of Taiwan, and only they can decide Taiwan’s future. As a force for good, Taiwan will continue to defend freedom and democracy and strengthen cooperation with like-minded countries so as to staunchly protect national sovereignty, counter authoritarian expansionism, uphold shared values, and contribute even more to the international community.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s claim at World Economic Forum regarding presence of Taiwanese components in Russian missiles

January 23, 2026  The Republic of China (Taiwan) firmly opposes all acts of aggression. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the government of Taiwan has worked closely with the international democratic community to impose strict controls on exports of high-tech products to Russia. To date, Taiwan has expanded its sanction list six times, placing restrictions on a total of 3,300 Russian entities.Taiwan has also striven to prevent the possibility of Taiwanese components or products reaching Russia through third-country transshipment. However, the United States, the European Union, and Taiwan all face the prospect of controlled goods being unlawfully and intentionally shipped to Russia by malicious third parties. To tackle this challenge, Taiwan has continued to cooperate closely with the United States, the European Union, and other like-minded partners so as to enhance relevant containment measures and sanctions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) urges and welcomes the government of Ukraine providing concrete information to Taiwan in order to jointly counter aggressive tactics of authoritarian and dictatorial regimes.China is internationally recognized as a decisive enabler in the Russia-Ukraine war. MOFA calls on the international community to collectively recognize the grave threat this problem poses to international peace and security. Only through such recognition can the real obstacles undermining Ukraine’s peace be resolved.MOFA reiterates Taiwan’s sincere hope that the Russia-Ukraine war will be brought to a swift conclusion, bringing relief to the people of Ukraine from the brutality and suffering of war. Taiwan will continue to stand with like-minded countries in strictly enforcing sanctions against Russia and jointly defending global freedom, peace, and prosperity.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly refutes false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement and partnership treaty between China and Tajikistan

Date：2026-05-13
Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

May 13, 2026  No. 204  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly refutes absurd claims made in a joint statement between China and Tajikistan on deepening their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in the new era and in a partnership treaty signed by the two countries on permanent good-neighborliness, friendship, and cooperation. The false and disparaging statements, such as “Taiwan is an inalienable part of China,” were included in a related press release issued by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 12. MOFA condemns China’s repeated appropriation of its interactions with other states to undermine Taiwan’s sovereign status.

The Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country, and neither it nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. This is an undeniable objective fact and the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. No statements that denigrate Taiwan’s sovereignty can change this reality. 

MOFA once again urges the international community to address China’s persistent use of various forms of coercion and enticement to undermine the sovereign decisions of other nations. China’s actions are not only designed to suppress Taiwan but also constitute a grave challenge to global democracy and the rule of law.

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

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA solemnly refutes China’s false claims regarding Taiwan’s international participation

Date：2026-05-12
Data Source：Department of International Organizations

May 12, 2026  
No. 202  
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) condemns and denounces in the strongest terms China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for issuing false statements on May 11 that sought to downgrade Taiwan’s sovereignty. These remarks included the inappropriate citation of China’s so-called “one China principle” and the spurious claim that Taiwan’s inclusion in international organizations required approval. They were aimed at obstructing Taiwan’s participation in the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA). 
 
MOFA solemnly reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent nation and that neither it nor the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is subordinate to the other. This is the internationally recognized status quo across the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan has the right to participate in such international organizations as the United Nations (UN). And China has no right to comment or interfere with this. Following World War II, the Treaty of San Francisco—which has the force of international law—replaced political declarations such as the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation. The treaty did not grant sovereignty over Taiwan to the PRC, and the PRC has never governed Taiwan. Taiwan has never been part of the PRC. These are incontrovertible facts. 
 
The ROC (Taiwan) has completed eight direct presidential elections following a process of political liberalization and democratization. Members of the Legislative Yuan are all elected directly by the people. There is therefore a complete and effective democratic governance mechanism in place. Taiwan’s participation in international organizations is a legitimate and legal right grounded in its sovereignty. Furthermore, only Taiwan’s democratically elected government can represent the people of Taiwan in the international community and multilateral mechanisms. 
 
MOFA emphasizes that health is a fundamental human right and should not be subject to political interference. Taiwan’s contributions to global epidemic prevention and public health have been internationally recognized. It is an indispensable, constructive partner of the global health system. Since Taiwan began advocating participation in the WHA, international support has continued to increase, with numerous like-minded countries having repeatedly and publicly expressed support for Taiwan’s inclusion in the WHA. China’s use of politics to obstruct Taiwan’s participation has seriously undermined the right to health of all of people. Moreover, it goes against the World Health Organization’s core vision of leaving no one behind. 
 
MOFA once again underscores that United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 and WHA Resolution 25.1 make no mention of Taiwan. Thus, the resolutions cannot serve as a basis for precluding Taiwan’s participation in the UN system or other international organizations. MOFA urges the WHO Secretariat to uphold professionalism and neutrality, reject political interference by China, and promptly invite Taiwan to participate in the WHA as an observer to enable Taiwan to make greater contributions to global public health. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

April 30, 2026  No. 168  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly condemns and protests Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s inappropriate distortion of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758 during a recent meeting with President of the 80th session of the UNGA Annalena Baerbock. He falsely claimed that the resolution had resolved the issue of representation for all of China—including Taiwan—and that it had been universally accepted within the UN system.
MOFA reiterates that UNGA Resolution 2758 merely addressed the issue of China’s representation in the United Nations and that it made no mention of Taiwan throughout its entire text. The resolution did not determine that Taiwan was part of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and it certainly did not authorize the PRC to represent Taiwan in the UN system. Thus, the resolution has no bearing on Taiwan and cannot serve as a basis for precluding Taiwan’s participation in the UN system or other multilateral mechanisms. Only the democratically elected government of Taiwan has the right to represent Taiwan in the UN system and other international organizations and multilateral mechanisms.
 
MOFA notes that following World War II, the Treaty of San Francisco—which has the force of international law—replaced political declarations such as the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation. The treaty did not grant sovereignty over Taiwan to the PRC, and the PRC has never governed Taiwan. Therefore, Taiwan is by no means part of the PRC.
 
Moreover, in the mid-1980s, Taiwan began a bottom-up transition toward political liberalization and democratization, culminating in its first direct presidential election in 1996. Since then, the representatives of the executive and legislative branches of the Republic of China (Taiwan) government have all been democratically elected by the people of Taiwan, making the ROC (Taiwan) government the sole lawful government that effectively governs and represents Taiwan internationally. This has also established the objective fact that the ROC (Taiwan) and the PRC exist as equals and the status quo that neither is subordinate to the other. Further, the ROC (Taiwan) has experienced three changes of governing party—in 2000, 2008, and 2016. The continued consolidation of Taiwan’s democratic system and sense of identity reflects the Taiwan people’s staunch belief in and unwavering commitment to the pursuit of freedom and democracy. 
 
MOFA urges the international community to continue taking concrete action to counter China’s misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758 and jointly refute China’s efforts to claim that the issue of Taiwan is an internal matter by improperly linking the resolution to the so-called “one China principle,” thereby attempting to change the objective cross-strait status quo and establish a legal basis for the potential future use of force against Taiwan.
 
MOFA also calls on the UN system to strictly abide by the principle of neutrality and refrain from acquiescing to China’s unreasonable suppression of Taiwan’s legitimate right to seek participation and acceding to inappropriate statements on behalf of all UN member states.
 
MOFA emphasizes that Taiwan, as a force for good in the international community, is capable of actively contributing to the UN system’s varied initiatives, including the Sustainable Development Goals and international peace and security. Only by including Taiwan can the United Nations truly realize the principle of universality and the goal of leaving no one behind. (E)