Month: June 2025

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA solemnly refutes false claims made in Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting joint statement

Date：2025-05-29
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

May 29, 2025No. 186The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sternly refutes and condemns the joint statement issued after the Third China-Pacific Island Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, held from May 28 to 29. In the statement, China falsely claimed that Taiwan was “an inalienable part of China’s territory” and “firmly opposed Taiwan independence in all forms,” as well as inappropriately citing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758.MOFA reiterates that neither the Republic of China (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is subordinate to the other and that authoritarian China has never governed Taiwan. This is an internationally recognized fact and the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. The PRC has never governed Taiwan, and Taiwan has never been part of the PRC. Only Taiwan’s democratically elected government has the right to represent its 23.5 million people in the UN system and at other international venues. China has no say in the matter.MOFA once again emphasizes that UNGA Resolution 2758 only determined China’s representation in the United Nations. The resolution never mentions Taiwan. It does not state that Taiwan is part of the PRC, nor does it authorize the PRC to represent Taiwan in the United Nations.MOFA calls on the international community to recognize that China has repeatedly taken every opportunity when convening or participating in Pacific regional meetings to attempt to downgrade Taiwan’s sovereignty, undermine unity and harmony in the Pacific, and twist UNGA Resolution 2758 through legal maneuvering. China has also misrepresented Taiwan as an internal issue and hindered international support for Taiwan. MOFA continues to take concrete action, countering China’s repeated distortion of the resolution and its efforts to change the cross-strait status quo, to jointly safeguard peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region. (E)

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today expressed strong dissatisfaction and opposition against the slanderous remarks made by some Western countries, anti-China organisations and anti-China politicians regarding the case of Joshua Wong involving the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and the Hong Kong SAR’s work on safeguarding national security.

The Hong Kong SAR Government said as the legal proceedings of the case involving Joshua Wong are still ongoing, it is inappropriate for any person to comment on the details of the case.

The Hong Kong SAR Government strongly urges these Western countries, anti-China organisations and anti-China politicians to immediately stop interfering in the Hong Kong SAR’s internal affairs and the independent exercise of judicial power by the courts.

The Hong Kong SAR law enforcement agencies have been taking law enforcement actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law in respect of the acts of the people or entities concerned, and have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation.

The Department of Justice is in charge of criminal prosecutions under the Basic Law, with all its prosecutorial decisions made on an objective analysis of all admissible evidence and applicable laws.

The Judiciary exercises judicial power independently in accordance with the law, and everyone charged with a criminal offence will receive a fair trial strictly. The courts decide cases strictly in accordance with the evidence and all applicable laws. Cases will never be handled any differently owing to the profession, political beliefs or backgrounds of the people involved. The prosecution has the burden to prove beyond reasonable doubt the commission of an offence before a defendant may be convicted by the court.

The Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that any attempt by any country, organisation or individual to interfere with the judicial proceedings in the Hong Kong SAR by means of political power, thereby resulting in a defendant not being able to have a fair trial that one should receive, is a reprehensible act undermining the rule of law and should be condemned.

The Hong Kong SAR Government is appalled by irresponsible remarks of some countries, organisations or individuals that seemed to suggest that people with certain political beliefs should be immune to legal sanctions, or even call for release of suspects who have been arrested by the Hong Kong SAR law enforcement agencies in accordance with the law.

Moreover, it elucidated that it will, as always, resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the HKNSL, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR, to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law.

The Hong Kong SAR Government added that it will uphold the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people in accordance with the law, so as to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the principle of “one country, two systems”.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA congratulates ROK on successful completion of 21st-term presidential elections

Date：2025-06-04
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

No. 192June 4, 2025Following the completion of the presidential elections on June 4, Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party was elected the 21st-term president of the Republic of Korea. On behalf of the government of Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sincerely congratulates the government and people of the ROK on once again conducting a successful round of democratic elections. Furthermore, following the public announcement of the election results, the Taipei Mission in Korea immediately transmitted a congratulatory telegram on behalf of the government of Taiwan.Taiwan and the ROK are both important countries in the Indo-Pacific. They share such universal values as democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law, while exchanges and cooperation on economics and trade, culture, tourism, and other domains have yielded fruitful results. The ROK government has reiterated the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait at numerous international events in recent years, highlighting the determination of Taiwan, the ROK, and like-minded nations to work together to maintain regional peace, stability, and prosperity and curtail the expansion of authoritarianism.Based on existing close and stable interactions, Taiwan looks forward to continuing to engage with the ROK through its new government so as to deepen collaboration in all areas and jointly advance peace, stability, and prosperity throughout the Indo-Pacific region. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

June 4, 2025  No. 194  On the afternoon of June 4, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung met with a delegation from the Kingdom of Eswatini led by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu. During their meeting, they had an extensive exchange of views on such topics as bilateral cooperation, trade, and investment.  
In his remarks, Minister Lin stated that he had visited Eswatini in late April as presidential special envoy to join the birthday celebrations for King Mswati III. He added that this meeting with Minister Shakantu and other ministerial-level officials from Eswatini just over one month later demonstrated the close and frequent interactions between the two countries and symbolized the strength of their diplomatic alliance. 
 
Minister Lin took the opportunity to express appreciation once again to King Mswati III and the Eswatini government for their long-standing and staunch support for Taiwan in the international arena, such as at the recently concluded World Health Assembly, the United Nations, and other multilateral forums. He stressed that Eswatini’s consistent advocacy for Taiwan had touched the hearts of the people of Taiwan. 
 
Minister Lin said that during his trip to Eswatini in April, he and King Mswati III had discussed such topics as strengthening bilateral economic, trade, investment, and tourism exchanges, as well as Taiwan’s assistance in building 5G smart cities and developing energy resources in Eswatini. He expressed confidence that the close collaboration between the two countries would spur Eswatini’s national development and better ensure the welfare of both peoples, stating that this would realize Taiwan’s vision of advancing allies’ prosperity and demonstrate that Taiwan could help and that Eswatini could serve as a leader on the African continent. 
 
Minister Shakantu thanked Minister Lin for rapidly formulating a series of concrete plans following his trip to Eswatini in April that would advance bilateral cooperation and Eswatini’s development, underscoring Taiwan’s high regard for and steadfast commitment to its allies. She also expressed the hope to see greater investment and more tourists from Taiwan in Eswatini through the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, thereby fueling bilateral exchanges.  
 
Earlier on June 4, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs François Chihchung Wu hosted a luncheon for the delegation. Attendees at the luncheon included International Trade Administration Secretary General Amelia W. J. Day, Export-Import Bank of the ROC President Hsieh Fu-hua, Hua Nan Bank Vice Chairman T. Lin, MOFA Department of International Cooperation and Economic Affairs Director General Lien Yu-ping, and MOFA Department of West Asian and African Affairs Deputy Director General Chen Yung-po. They exchanged views with the members of the Eswatini delegation on a variety of issues. 
 
Eswatini is an important diplomatic ally of Taiwan in Africa. MOFA will continue to maintain close interactions with the Eswatini government and actively seek to enhance mutually beneficial collaboration in all fields so as to realize the vision of advancing allies’ prosperity and thereby deepen and consolidate diplomatic relations between the two countries. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to UK Ministry of Defence’s expression of concern over cross-strait peace and stability in Strategic Defence Review

Date：2025-06-03
Data Source：Department of European Affairs

June 3, 2025  

On June 2, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) of the United Kingdom published its Strategic Defence Review, which stressed that the Indo-Pacific was strategically important to the United Kingdom and that growing Chinese assertiveness was a key driver of regional and global instability. The report also emphasized that China’s military exercises around Taiwan risked dangerous escalation in the Taiwan Strait and that its aggressive actions were fueling tension in the South China Sea. Moreover, the review stated that the MOD would continue strengthening regional partnerships and protecting freedom of navigation so as to further defend and shape international rules and norms. 
 
At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 31, Admiral Tony Radakin, UK Chief of the Defence Staff, publicly stated that upholding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the principles of freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific mattered greatly to the United Kingdom. He added that Royal Navy ships had therefore been exercising the right of freedom of navigation in the region, including in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea. The fact the MOD’s Strategic Defence Review once again expressed grave concern over the Taiwan Strait and clear opposition to China’s provocative military actions demonstrates the United Kingdom’s consistent stance regarding the need to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly affirms and appreciates the UK statements. 
 
The United Kingdom, a like-minded partner, shares with Taiwan such universal values as democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. It also plays a key role in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Taiwan will continue to engage in close cooperation with the United Kingdom and other democratic countries, taking concrete action to uphold peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, defend the rules-based international order, and jointly advance security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and throughout the world. 

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for Eswatini Minister of Agriculture Tshawuka

Date：2025-05-29
Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

May 29, 2025  No. 187  Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a luncheon on May 29 in honor of a delegation led by Eswatini Minister of Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka. During the luncheon, Minister Lin welcomed Minister Tshawuka on behalf of the government as the two sides shared views on agricultural exchanges and cooperation. Minister Lin also thanked Eswatini for its long-term steadfast support of Taiwan’s participation in the international community.
 
In his remarks, Minister Lin pointed out that Eswatini was Taiwan’s staunch ally in Africa and thanked H.M. King Mswati III and the Eswatini government for their long-term support of bilateral diplomatic relations. He said that agriculture was one of the kingdom’s major industries and stressed that there had long been close collaboration between Taiwan and Eswatini in this area. Taiwan, he continued, was willing to share its developmental experience and know-how with Eswatini and would continue to implement more joint projects through the Taiwan Technical Mission of the International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF). Under the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, Taiwan would utilize its technological prowess to help Eswatini promote a smart agriculture transition and increase food security which, he said, would bolster Eswatini’s economic development and improve the welfare of the people. 
 
In his remarks, Minister Tshawuka thanked Taiwan for having provided assistance for Eswatini’s agriculture, especially the Taiwan-Africa Vegetable Initiative, a joint endeavor by the World Vegetable Center and the Taiwan government. This project had helped Eswatini to preserve the seeds of vegetables native to Africa and to advance the promotion of and education on the kingdom’s traditional vegetable crops, thereby increasing local food supply and benefiting the people. Minister Tshawuka also stated that the Taiwan-Eswatini relationship was strong and that the Eswatini government would continue to support Taiwan at international events and work with Taiwan to promote mutually beneficial cooperation.
 
Also in attendance at the luncheon were Eswatini Ambassador to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Promise Msibi, Ambassador-at-Large Richard Soong, Ministry of Agriculture Director-General of International Affairs Hsiou Dong-chong, TaiwanICDF Secretary General Huang Yu-lin, World Vegetable Center Director General Marco Wopereis, and Mt. Dadu Industrial Innovation Foundation CEO Liao Tsu-chen. The guests exchanged views with Minister Tshawuka on a wide variety of issues relating to Taiwan-Eswatini collaboration on smart agriculture as well as Eswatini’s agricultural development.
 
Taiwan and Eswatini have had diplomatic relations for 57 years and enjoy close ties in the area of agriculture. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to work with the government of Eswatini to promote the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project and develop a mutually beneficial relationship that contributes to the welfare of both nations’ people, thus bringing bilateral cooperation to a new level. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to Czech government statement on Chinese cyberattack against Czech foreign ministry

Date：2025-05-29
Data Source：Department of European Affairs

May 29, 2025The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) notes that in a statement published on May 28, the government of the Czech Republic said it had identified the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as being responsible for a malicious campaign of cyberattacks targeting one of the unclassified networks of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It said the campaign had been carried out since 2022 through the cyberespionage actor APT31. Strongly condemning this action, the Czech government called on the PRC to adhere to international rules and take all appropriate measures to address the issue. In a post on the social media platform X, Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs Jan Lipavksý said that China was interfering in Czech society through manipulation, propaganda, and cyberattacks.
 
Taiwan is subjected to millions of cyber intrusions per day, the majority of which originate from China. This number is increasing daily. Taiwan is thus particularly capable of empathizing with the Czech Republic and other democracies facing similar threats. China has long employed cyberattacks, information warfare, and other forms of gray-zone tactics to infiltrate and harm Taiwan and democracies around the world, drawing widespread concern and condemnation from the international community. MOFA strongly urges the Chinese authorities to immediately halt these types of malicious cyberactivity targeting democratic countries and to respect international rules and its associated responsibilities.
 
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung reiterates Taiwan’s support for and solidarity with the Czech Republic. He emphasizes that cyberattacks and similar behavior committed against sovereign nations represent a grave violation of national security and freedom of information and threaten the stability and working of the global democratic community. As a responsible member of the global democratic camp, Taiwan will continue to strengthen cooperation with the Czech Republic, the European Union, and other like-minded partners, deepening information security exchanges and defensive capacity and jointly working to resist the threats to the democratic system and information security posed by China and other authoritarian regimes.
 

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for delegation led by Chair Battistel of French National Assembly’s Taiwan Friendship Group

Date：2025-06-09
Data Source：Department of European Affairs

June 9, 2025  
No. 204  

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a luncheon on June 9 to welcome a delegation led by Marie-Noëlle Battistel, Chair of the French National Assembly’s Taiwan Friendship Group. He extended appreciation to the French Parliament for its staunch support and close friendship with Taiwan.
 
In his speech, Minister Lin congratulated Ms. Battistel on her election as chair of the Taiwan Friendship Group earlier this year and thanked the French Parliament for its long-standing and cross-party support of Taiwan, including the overwhelming endorsement in a resolution in 2021 supporting Taiwan’s international participation, the passage of the seven-year Military Programming Law in 2023 supporting freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait, and its enthusiastic response to sending a joint letter to the director-general of the World Health Organization in May backing Taiwan’s bid. Minister Lin noted that Europe’s support for Taiwan was crucial, that Taiwan-France relations continued to grow and thrive, and that there was great potential to deepen collaboration between Taiwan and France in key technological domains and innovative industries. He expressed hope that the two sides would further contribute to global prosperity and development through closer exchanges and cooperation in the future.
 
In her speech, Chair Battistel said that she was honored to serve as chair of the French National Assembly’s Taiwan Friendship Group and emphasized that she would continue to lead the group in its steadfast support of Taiwan, in line with French values and global common interests. She indicated that China’s threats and attempts to suppress Taiwan had had wide-ranging impacts on the world and urged democratic countries to jointly support Taiwan. She added that she believed Taiwan’s participation in international organizations was pivotal and that the entire international community stood to benefit from Taiwan’s knowledge and experience.
 
This is the second delegation from the French National Assembly to visit Taiwan this year, following a visit in May by Guillaume Kasbarian, former French Minister of Civil Service and member of the National Assembly’s Taiwan Friendship Group. 
 
At the invitation of Minister Lin, Professor Lee Hahn-ming of the Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering at National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, along with Wu Min-hsuan, CEO of Doublethink Lab, attended the luncheon and exchanged views with the delegation on such issues as how Taiwan and France could jointly cope with the use of artificial intelligence by foreign forces to manipulate information. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly refutes Chinese Foreign Ministry’s baseless claims regarding Taiwan-Guatemala diplomatic relations

Date：2025-06-07
Data Source：Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs

June 7, 2025  
No. 199  

In response to a media inquiry on June 6 regarding the visit to Taiwan by Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo and his wife, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs replied with tired rhetoric, urging Guatemala to “see the ultimate trend” and “make the right choice at an early date,” as well as making false claims regarding the so-called “one China principle.” MOFA strongly condemns these statements, which seek to sabotage diplomatic relations between Taiwan and its allies. 
 
MOFA solemnly reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country and strives to maintain the status quo across the Taiwan Strait; that China, on the other hand, frequently engages in malevolent behavior that undermines regional peace and stability; and that the cross-strait status quo is an objective fact recognized by the international community. In carrying out its sovereign rights, Taiwan maintains with its allies diplomatic relations that are founded on the principles of mutual respect, reciprocity, and mutual benefit. Other countries have no right whatsoever to interfere in them. 
 
The Republic of China (Taiwan) and Guatemala established diplomatic relations in 1933, long before the People’s Republic of China was founded. Forged more than nine decades ago on a solid foundation of mutual trust, these relations cannot be swayed by any spurious claims. President Arévalo’s visit to Taiwan demonstrates Guatemala’s concrete support for this alliance and underlines expectations that bilateral cooperation will grow even more comprehensive and diverse. Looking ahead, the governments of Taiwan and Guatemala will continue to support each other and work hand in hand on the path of democracy, freedom, and justice. (E) 

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome dinner to mark state visit by Guatemala President Arévalo

Date：2025-06-06
Data Source：Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs

June 6, 2025  
No. 198  

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a dinner on June 5 to mark a state visit by President Bernardo Arévalo of the Republic of Guatemala and First Lady Lucrecia Peinado. Minister Lin conveyed a sincere welcome on behalf of the government of Taiwan and said that Taiwan hoped to build upon the existing solid foundation of cooperation with Guatemala to jointly forge an even more strategically significant partnership.
 
In his remarks, Minister Lin said that Taiwan and Guatemala enjoyed a deep friendship and had maintained diplomatic ties for more than 90 years, adding that cooperation between the two sides had yielded fruitful results across various domains. He noted that during this state visit, President Arévalo had signed a letter of intent on semiconductor cooperation with President Lai Ching-te and that the two presidents had also witnessed the signing of an MOU on a political consultation mechanism between their respective foreign ministers and the signing of a letter of intent on bilateral investment in supply chains between their respective economic ministers. He stated that these actions not only demonstrated the two countries’ staunch and cordial relations but would also further deepen bilateral cooperation. Minister Lin emphasized that Taiwan’s government would continue to work hand in hand with the Guatemalan government under President Arévalo’s leadership to advance Guatemala’s national development; deepen trade, economic, and investment ties and semiconductor cooperation; and jointly advance comprehensive bilateral collaboration across all sectors. Minister Lin also mentioned how cordially he was received by President Arévalo and First Lady Peinado when he visited Guatemala last October. He said that he had brought home and continued to cherish a menu, signed by President Arévalo, from the banquet held at the president’s residence.
 
In his remarks, President Arévalo thanked Minister Lin for his warm reception and expressed delight at being able to meet in Taipei again after October 2024, when his wife had visited Taiwan for National Day celebrations and Minister Lin and his wife had visited Guatemala. He said that their interactions had always been convivial and sincere. President Arévalo also pointed out that the attendees of the dinner were experts and leaders in different fields, highlighting how Taiwan-Guatemala cooperation had become more comprehensive and diverse. He said that the documents signed on the morning of June 5 would serve as guideposts for the direction of future cooperation between the two nations and voiced his firm conviction that the Taiwan-Guatemala partnership would continue to grow even closer.
 
Among other attendees at the dinner were International Cooperation and Development Fund Secretary General Huang Yu-lin; National Taiwan University Professor Chang Pei-zen; Vice Superintendent of National Taiwan University Hospital Lou Pei-jen; President of Chunghwa Telecom Lin Rong-shy; and CIECA Chairman Joseph Jye-cherng Lyu. Interactions at the event were lively and cordial. (E)