MOFA response to IPAC statement on Chinese interference in President Lai’s planned visit to Eswatini

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to IPAC statement on Chinese interference in President Lai’s planned visit to Eswatini

April 22, 2026  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the statement from the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) released on April 21 condemning China’s coordinated coercion of other nations to block President Lai Ching-te’s flight path on a planned visit to Eswatini. IPAC’s announcement pointed out that China’s actions had exposed its relentless drive to isolate Taiwan, which had extended to an attempt to control the skies. The statement underlined that President Lai was a democratic leader who, like other heads of state, had the right to engage with partners without interference. It added that China had no right to determine the foreign policy of other countries. MOFA thanks IPAC and other like-minded partners for taking concrete action in support of Taiwan. It further calls on democratic countries to jointly denounce China for using political pressure to disrupt international civil aviation and interfere in the legitimate diplomatic activities of other states.

MOFA response to statements by China’s Foreign Ministry concerning Taiwan-US tariff consensus

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to statements by China’s Foreign Ministry concerning Taiwan-US tariff consensus

January 16, 2026    

At a regular press conference on January 16, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its firm opposition to the consensus reached between Taiwan and the United States on trade tariffs and related details.
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) reiterates that the ROC (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country, that its sovereignty belongs to the people of Taiwan, and that the People’s Republic of China has never governed Taiwan. These are objective facts and the internationally recognized status quo. China has no right to comment on or interfere in the sovereign actions of other nations. China’s remarks underscore its hegemonic mindset and how, as a troublemaker, it attempts to unilaterally change the international order.
 
MOFA is pleased that Taiwan’s negotiation team, led by Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun and Minister without Portfolio Yang Jen-ni, successfully reached a consensus with the United States and concluded talks on trade tariffs and related details. On the basis of this foundation and under the leadership of President Lai Ching-te and the Executive Yuan, MOFA will continue to implement its core strategy of integrated diplomacy, working with relevant ministries to promote economic diplomacy and expand cooperation with the private sector. By encouraging large businesses to lead smaller ones, combining tangible and intangible assets, furthering public-private collaboration, and advancing foreign engagement through domestic business models, MOFA is building an economic and trade joint fleet with the United States and continuing to steadily foster a comprehensive economic and technological bilateral partnership.

MOFA response to false claims regarding Taiwan in a joint press release issued by PRC foreign minister and AU

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to false claims regarding Taiwan in a joint press release issued by PRC foreign minister and AU

January 9, 2026

During a visit to Ethiopia, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi issued a joint press release with the African Union (AU) on January 8 following the China-African Union Strategic Dialogue. The joint press release blatantly disregarded objective historical facts and contained false statements, including the claim that “Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory.” 
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly condemns and protests the Chinese government’s continued efforts to spread lies and falsehoods in the international community so as to denigrate Taiwan’s sovereignty. It also expresses deep regret at the AU’s submission to and parroting of China’s political position, which deviates from international reality.
 
MOFA solemnly reiterates that neither the Republic of China (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is subordinate to the other. Taiwan has long played an active role in the international community and has made substantive and constructive contributions to its African and global partners. MOFA calls on the AU, an important regional organization, to adhere to objective facts and exercise independent judgement in its public remarks and statements. 
 
China continues to repeatedly disseminate false narratives on international occasions, engaging in political suppression and discourse manipulation. Such actions, which contradict facts and undermine the international order, are not just absurd; they expose China’s attempts at authoritarian interference.
 
The sovereignty of the ROC (Taiwan) belongs to the people of Taiwan. Only they can decide Taiwan’s future. As a force for good in the international community, Taiwan will continue to defend the values of freedom and democracy and strengthen cooperation with like-minded countries to firmly defend the nation’s sovereignty, curb authoritarian expansionism, uphold the values of freedom and democracy, and further contribute to the international community.

MOFA solemnly refutes joint statement by China and Myanmar disparaging Taiwan’s sovereignty

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA solemnly refutes joint statement by China and Myanmar disparaging Taiwan’s sovereignty

Date:2026-06-19
Data Source:Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

June 19, 2026  
No. 278  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly condemns the joint statement between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of the Union of Myanmar that was issued on June 17. In the statement, Myanmar expressed support for China’s efforts to achieve “national reunification” and erroneously cited United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 to undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty. Myanmar thereby appeased and condoned China in its aim to annex Taiwan by force. This seriously undermined regional peace and stability.
 
MOFA reiterates that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the PRC is subordinate to the other. Taiwan will not tolerate China’s repeated attempts to use bilateral statements to spread false narratives that seek to unilaterally change the status quo through cognitive warfare.
 
MOFA also expresses disappointment over the fact that since its inauguration, the new government of Myanmar has continued to show deference to China. MOFA solemnly calls on Myanmar to recognize the goodwill extended by Taiwan since the establishment of its representative office in Myanmar in 2016. In particular, Taiwan has actively engaged in cooperation with various sectors of Myanmar in such areas as the economy, medicine and public health, talent development, and humanitarian assistance.
 
MOFA urges the newly elected government of Myanmar to heed the will of its people, take stock of their needs, and refrain from constantly acquiescing to China’s efforts to infiltrate its society and interfere in its collaboration with Taiwan, which improves its people’s well-being.
 
Taiwan will continue to staunchly uphold the universal values of democracy, freedom, and human rights and work with like-minded countries to jointly defend against authoritarian systems and safeguard peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. (E)

MOFA solemnly refutes false claims by China regarding Taiwan following meeting between Chinese and Nepali foreign ministers

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA solemnly refutes false claims by China regarding Taiwan following meeting between Chinese and Nepali foreign ministers

Date:2026-06-16
Data Source:Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

June 16, 2026  No. 269  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) solemnly refutes the false claims made by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a press release on June 15 following a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Nepali Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal. 

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

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

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

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

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

MOFA strongly condemns China for taking various actions in Taiwan’s eastern EEZ that violate international law

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly condemns China for taking various actions in Taiwan’s eastern EEZ that violate international law

Date:2026-06-09
Data Source:Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

June 9, 2026  
No. 258  

Since its Ministry of Transport announced the launch of a so-called “special law enforcement operation for maritime traffic in waters to the east of Taiwan” late on June 6, China has continuously deployed coast guard vessels to intrude into Taiwan’s eastern waters. Between June 7 and 9, it even illegally harassed cargo ships exercising their right to freedom of navigation in waters surrounding Taiwan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the ROC (Taiwan) strongly condemns China for its absurd actions in infringing upon Taiwan’s sovereign rights and illegally interfering with ships at sea.
 
MOFA emphasizes that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other; that Taiwan enjoys all sovereign rights in its eastern waters granted by the relevant provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea regarding exclusive economic zones; and that China has no right to take illegal actions within Taiwan’s exclusive economic zone against any vessels exercising their right of freedom of navigation.
 
MOFA reiterates that Taiwan will not tolerate any violation of its territorial sovereignty and sovereign rights. Moreover, Taiwan will not accept attempts by China to interfere in any way with vessels passing through Taiwan’s waters. Such actions violate international law and conventions, gravely disrupt the status quo, and seek to justify its unlawful maritime harassment with fabricated pretexts. Indeed, they fully expose the unrestrained nature of authoritarian China’s expansionist ambitions.
 
MOFA once again urges the international community to recognize the serious and immediate threat that China’s illegal actions pose to regional peace and stability, and to jointly oppose China’s unlawful conduct. The government of Taiwan will coordinate efforts across ministries and agencies to safeguard maritime security and continue to seek the support of like-minded nations in jointly maintaining security in the Indo-Pacific region. (E)

MOFA strongly refutes false and malicious claims by China’s Foreign Ministry regarding Taiwan’s sovereignty and Paraguayan President Peña

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly refutes false and malicious claims by China’s Foreign Ministry regarding Taiwan’s sovereignty and Paraguayan President Peña

Date:2026-05-15
Data Source:Department of West Asian and African Affairs

May 14, 2026  No. 207  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) condemns in the strongest possible terms and solemnly refutes the malicious statements made by China’s Foreign Ministry at a press conference on May 12. By falsely claiming that Taiwan was part of China and that Paraguayan President Santiago Peña was a pawn of “Taiwan independence separatist forces,” China’s Foreign Ministry attempted to undermine the close and long-standing diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Paraguay. 

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. These are internationally recognized facts and the objective status quo across the Taiwan Strait. China has no right to interfere in Taiwan’s diplomatic relations. MOFA once again extends its sincere appreciation to Paraguayan President Peña for his continued support of Taiwan-Paraguay diplomatic ties and for his staunch advocacy of Taiwan in the international arena.

Interactions between countries based on the principles of parity and mutual respect for sovereignty are the consensus and norm in the international community. Taiwan has the right to engage with all nations, and Paraguay’s sovereignty in making foreign policy decisions must be respected. China’s malicious remarks slandering Paraguayan President Peña only serve to make the world more aware of its efforts to undermine the international order through hegemonic behavior. MOFA calls on other nations to unite in denouncing China’s actions.

Taiwan and Paraguay have maintained solid and enduring diplomatic relations for 69 years. President Peña’s state visit to Taiwan this month yielded fruitful results, and several joint cooperation agreements were signed. Moving forward, MOFA will steadily promote a variety of Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project initiatives under the policy of integrated diplomacy, working with Paraguay for the development of both countries and the well-being of both peoples. Taiwan and Paraguay will continue to jointly counter authoritarian expansionism, safeguard democratic values, and uphold regional peace, stability, and prosperity. (E)

MOFA once again strongly refutes absurd claims by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office aimed at undermining Taiwan’s participation in APEC

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

May 13, 2026  No. 206  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) once again condemns and protests in the strongest terms and expresses deep dissatisfaction over China’s bid to maliciously suppress Taiwan’s participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. China is disregarding APEC norms and long-standing best practices and violating its own commitments of 2024, when it was seeking to be the host economy for 2026. Earlier, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office had stated that Taiwan’s participation in APEC would be handled according to the so-called “one China principle” and related APEC memorandums of understanding and practices. China’s actions have disrupted harmony within APEC and highlighted its domineering and authoritative nature.MOFA emphasizes that the text of the memorandum of understanding on Taiwan’s accession to APEC, signed in 1991, did not mention a “one China principle.” It did, however, state clearly that Taiwan would participate in APEC meetings and activities on an equal basis with other member economies. Regarding the MOU signed in relation to China’s accession to the organization, APEC merely took note of China’s so-called “one China principle” and its position that there is a distinction between sovereign states and regional economies. However, APEC did not express agreement with or acceptance of such a stance.At the joint request of Taiwan and like-minded countries, China provided explicit and written assurance in 2024 regarding the safety of participants from all member economies and their smooth entry into and exit from China for APEC meetings. All member economies, including China, supported the inclusion of the following text in joint ministerial statements issued following APEC Ministerial Meetings in 2024 and 2025: “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.” As the host economy for APEC 2026, China is obliged to fulfill its commitments and adhere to consensus decisions made by all member economies.MOFA reiterates 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 People’s Republic of China (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, 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. Therefore, only Taiwan’s democratically elected government can represent the 23 million people of Taiwan at multilateral events and mechanisms such as APEC. China has no right to interfere or comment.MOFA firmly demands that China carry out its duties as APEC host economy satisfactorily and comply with the core principle of equal participation of all member economies; fulfill its commitments properly in accordance with APEC guidelines, norms, and practices; and take concrete steps to ensure the equal involvement by Taiwan’s participants in this year’s APEC meetings and activities taking place in China. Taiwan will not accept any political maneuvering aimed at undermining or excluding its participation and will work with like-minded partners to oppose such moves. (E)

Incendie de la mairie de l’Île des Pins

Source: Gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Caledonie

Le gouvernement condamne avec la plus grande fermeté l’incendie survenu dans la nuit à la mairie de l’Île des Pins. 

La destruction d’un édifice public, en particulier d’une mairie, porte atteinte à un service public essentiel de proximité, au bon fonctionnement des institutions locales et aux équipements collectifs au service de tous.

Le gouvernement rappelle que rien ne peut justifier des actes de dégradation contre des biens publics, qui fragilisent l’action quotidienne menée au bénéfice de la population et pénalisent avant tout les habitants.

Il exprime son soutien entier au maire, aux élus municipaux, aux agents de la commune, aux autorités coutumières et à l’ensemble de la population de Kunié, particulièrement affectés par cet événement.

Le gouvernement réaffirme son attachement indéfectible au respect des institutions, à la sauvegarde des biens publics et à la préservation du lien de proximité entre l’administration et les citoyens.

Hong Kong Customs seizes reptiles of suspected scheduled endangered species

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs on June 26 detected a smuggling case involving a cross-boundary private car at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point and seized 386 live turtles, 27 live snakes and two live lizards of suspected scheduled endangered species, with a total estimated market value of about $625,000.

Through risk assessment, Customs on that day intercepted an outgoing private car at the said Control Point. After inspection, Customs officers found two live lizards at the centre console and found 386 live turtles and 27 live snakes concealed in the compartment of the spare tyre. A 39-year-old local male driver suspected to be connected with the case was subsequently arrested. He has been released on bail pending further investigation.

Customs will continue to combat cross-boundary smuggling activities with firm enforcement action based on risk assessment and intelligence analysis.

Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years upon conviction. 

Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.

Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).