Month: March 2026

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to Japan and Australia defense ministers’ joint statement reaffirming importance of peace and stability across Taiwan Strait

December 8, 2025  

Japanese Minister of Defense Shinjiro Koizumi met with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles in Tokyo on December 7. Following the meeting, they issued a joint statement reaffirming that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait were essential to regional and international security and prosperity and reiterating strong opposition to unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion. They also emphasized that cross-strait issues should be resolved peacefully through dialogue. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung welcomes and appreciates these remarks.
 
China’s continued military expansionism and provocative behavior in the East China Sea, the South China Sea, and the Pacific region—including Chinese military aircraft recently locking their radars on Japan Air Self-Defense Force aircraft—clearly pose significant threats to Indo-Pacific and global security, raising serious concerns. 
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to closely monitor regional developments and calls on China to fulfill its responsibilities as a major power and cease all reckless actions that heighten tensions and jeopardize regional security and stability.
 
Taiwan, a responsible member of the international community, will steadily bolster its self-defense capabilities and whole-of-society defense resilience. It will also cooperate closely with democratic friends and allies to jointly safeguard the rules-based international order and contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to French President Macron’s remarks commending Taiwan on combating disinformation

November 22, 2025The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) notes that during a November 19 event in Arras, France, on the topic of challenges that social networks and algorithms pose to democracies, French President Emmanuel Macron praised Taiwan for its achievements in combating disinformation. President Macron said that democratic Taiwan, which neighbored an undemocratic giant bearing it ill will, had put systems in place to counter large-scale information warfare from China. He emphasized that Taiwan’s methods were worthy of emulation by France.MOFA appreciates President Macron’s recognition of Taiwan’s measures to counter disinformation. Disinformation and foreign interference are challenges that all democracies worldwide face. Having long dealt with the threat of authoritarian expansionism and information warfare, Taiwan has gradually built social resilience and transparency mechanisms. Its experience can serve as reference for international partners.MOFA emphasizes that Taiwan is willing to continue collaborating with France and other like-minded countries to share strategies for countering information manipulation, jointly enhancing democratic resilience, combating disinformation, and upholding the values of freedom and democracy as well as the rules-based international order.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

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

November 18, 2025  

Syrian Arab Republic Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Hassan Al-Shibani met with People’s Republic of China Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on November 17. Afterwards, they issued a joint statement that made several blatantly false claims, including that Taiwan was an inseparable part of Chinese territory. 
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) solemnly condemns the Chinese government’s continuous efforts to entice other countries to disseminate spurious narratives that aim to undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty. It also expresses deep regret over the Syrian transitional government’s subservience to authoritarian China.
 
MOFA reaffirms that the ROC (Taiwan) is an independent, sovereign country and that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the PRC is subordinate to the other. In addition, it reiterates that any claims aimed at distorting Taiwan’s sovereign status constitute acts of bullying that disrupt international peace and stability. Such claims cannot change the objective fact and status quo that neither side of the Taiwan Strait is subordinate to the other. 
 
MOFA once again calls on the international community to recognize China’s authoritarian nature, as well as its intention to misrepresent the Taiwan issue as an internal affair and prevent the world from supporting Taiwan. Moreover, the international community is urged to continue taking concrete actions that counter China’s deplorable attempts to change the cross-strait status quo, so as to jointly safeguard peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to China’s protest against meeting between Taiwan Leader’s Representative Lin and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi at APEC summit

November 2, 2025 

As an official member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, it is natural for Taiwan to engage in exchanges and interactions with other APEC member economies, both multilaterally and bilaterally, during APEC meetings. Taiwan’s APEC Leader’s Representative Lin Hsin-i engaged in exchanges and interactions with more than 10 leaders or representatives of APEC member economies during multilateral and bilateral events throughout the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and at the official dinner hosted by the Republic of Korea, including Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in his capacity as US leader’s representative.
 
MOFA reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent state and that neither the Republic of China (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is subordinate to the other. Furthermore, the PRC has never ruled Taiwan. This is an internationally accepted, objective fact and the status quo. China has no right to comment on or interfere in the sovereign actions of other nations. Its criticism of normal interactions between Taiwan and Japan based on its so-called “one China principle” is a grave violation of the core principle of the equal participation of all APEC member economies.
 
Taiwan and Japan share such fundamental and universal values as freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law and consider one another important partners and dear friends. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation with Japan based on their cordial ties so as to jointly safeguard peace, stability, and prosperity throughout the Indo-Pacific.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to article in US-based Time magazine concerning President Lai

October 24, 2025  
 
The government of Taiwan has always taken a responsible approach in staunchly safeguarding the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and promoted its cross-strait policy in a steady, rational, and pragmatic manner. Taiwan’s commitment to maintaining the status quo has never changed, nor has Taiwan ever sought to raise tensions.
 
President Lai Ching-te has repeatedly emphasized that peace is the only option. Maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait has been Taiwan’s consistent position and is the shared consensus of the international community. Furthermore, it should be noted that China is the source of disruption to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait due to its persistent rhetorical and military aggression against Taiwan—including military exercises, gray-zone threats, and cognitive warfare.
 
In facing these external challenges and threats, the government of Taiwan will continue to enhance its self-defense capabilities and build whole-of-society resilience so as to ensure citizens’ safety and the sustainable operation of its democratic system. Such efforts will also serve to uphold cross-strait peace and regional stability.
 
At the same time, as a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will continue to cooperate with like-minded nations to jointly defend the rules-based international order and contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity throughout the Indo-Pacific.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Taiwan-Japan Fishery Committee holds successful 12th meeting

Date：2026-01-30
Data Source：TAIWAN-JAPAN RELATIONS ASSOCIATION

January 30, 2026No. 038The Taiwan-Japan Relations Association and the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association convened the 12th meeting of the Taiwan-Japan Fishery Committee in Yilan from January 27 to 29. The alternating responsibility for organizing and hosting the meeting on this occasion fell to Taiwan. Taiwan-Japan Relations Association Deputy Secretary-General Lin Yu-hui led Taiwan’s delegation, with Director-General Wang Mao-chen of the Ministry of Agriculture’s Fisheries Agency serving as lead negotiator. The meeting was also attended by representatives of the Ocean Affairs Council’s Coast Guard Administration and relevant local fishers’ associations.During the meeting, the two parties affirmed the success of regulations implemented in 2025 for fishing vessels operating in a triangular area of water north of Japan’s Yaeyama Islands and reached consensus on operational rules for 2026. The sides also agreed to further revise self-regulatory covenants, to provide educational guidance to fishers prior to the start of the fishing season, and to avoid allowing fishing gear to drift into areas east of longitude 124°02′ E. Taiwan also requested that Japan commence consultations with Taiwan as soon as possible on other issues related to fishing operations in overlapping economic zones.Taiwan and Japan signed the Taiwan-Japan Fisheries Agreement on April 10, 2013, resolving long-standing fisheries disputes in a peaceful and rational manner. The Taiwan-Japan Fishery Committee was established in accordance with the agreement, with Taiwan and Japan taking turns to hold committee meetings once a year. The gatherings serve as an important dialogue platform, allowing the two sides to define a framework for fisheries operations and manage fisheries-related issues. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Foreign Minister Lin meets with delegation led by former Israeli Minister of Religious Services Kahana

Date：2026-01-27
Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

January 27, 2026  
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)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Foreign Minister Lin hosts luncheon to welcome delegation led by US Senator Gallego

Date：2026-01-24
Data Source：Department of North American Affairs

January 24, 2026  
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)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Foreign Minister Lin confers Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon on former MECO Chairperson and Resident Representative Velicaria-Garafil

Date：2026-01-23
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

January 23, 2026
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)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

November 24, 2025  
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)