MOFA welcomes joint statement by foreign and defense ministers of Australia and Germany underscoring importance of Taiwan Strait peace and stability

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA welcomes joint statement by foreign and defense ministers of Australia and Germany underscoring importance of Taiwan Strait peace and stability

Date:2026-06-11
Data Source:Department of European Affairs

June 11, 2026  
No. 262  

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung welcomes and commends the joint statement issued following the Australia-Germany 2+2 Ministerial Consultations on June 8. The statement stressed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, reaffirmed the two countries’ shared opposition to any unilateral action to change the status quo by force or coercion, and conveyed support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations.
 
The consultations took place in Berlin. They were attended by German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Johann Wadephul, Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius, Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, and Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong.
 
This is the third occasion this year that Australia and Germany have issued joint statements emphasizing the importance of Taiwan Strait peace and stability. Joint statements issued in February by their foreign ministers and in March by their defense ministers expressed the same position, fully demonstrating that maintaining the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is an international consensus.
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to cooperate with Australia, Germany, and other like-minded countries so as to jointly defend peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific and safeguard freedom, democracy, and the international rules-based order. (E)

MOFA welcomes visit to Taiwan by US Deputy Permanent Representative to the WTO Bisbee

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA welcomes visit to Taiwan by US Deputy Permanent Representative to the WTO Bisbee

Date:2026-06-10
Data Source:Department of International Cooperation and Economic Affairs

June 10, 2026  
No. 260  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) extends a warm welcome to David Bisbee, Deputy Permanent Representative of the United States to the World Trade Organization, who is visiting Taiwan from June 10 to 14.
 
Deputy Permanent Representative Bisbee is a senior official at the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). He has extensive experience in international trade and economics, having previously served as a delegate at the USTR’s Geneva office, a deputy assistant US trade representative, and a director in the Southeast Asia and Pacific office of the USTR.
 
While in Taiwan, Deputy Permanent Representative Bisbee will call at the Office of Trade Negotiations, the Mainland Affairs Council, and the International Trade Administration. He will also attend a luncheon hosted by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung and visit Taiwanese technology companies. Through the trip, Deputy Permanent Representative Bisbee will gain a deeper understanding of current developments in trade, economics, technology, democracy, and other areas in Taiwan.
 
Amid the rapidly changing international geopolitical and economic landscape, the United States remains a staunch partner of Taiwan. MOFA looks forward to further deepening interactions and exchanges between the two countries both in bilateral spheres and multilateral trade frameworks to jointly promote the continued development of the Taiwan-US partnership. (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 condemns China’s so-called law enforcement activities in waters east of Taiwan;highlights Taiwan’s position on Japan-Philippines maritime negotiations

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

June 9, 2026No. 256The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) solemnly points out that China has no right to engage in law enforcement activities in Taiwan’s eastern waters under any pretext. Nor does China have the right to expand its claims to jurisdiction over waters surrounding Taiwan using as its rationale for the possible negotiation of maritime boundaries by Japan and the Philippines. Taiwan wholeheartedly refutes China’s continued attempts to regularize law enforcement activities and patrols in Taiwan’s eastern waters. MOFA strongly condemns China for disrupting regional peace and stability and for challenging the international order. MOFA solemnly states that any negotiations between parties should not affect the rights and interests of Taiwan. As Taiwan is a stakeholder in relevant areas, it will continue to work through multiple channels to express its stance to the nations involved while upholding Taiwan’s maritime rights.As concerns the possible launch of formal negotiations on exclusive economic zones and the continental shelf between Japan and the Philippines, MOFA has expressed the following to the governments of the two countries:First, in accordance with the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties as well as international legal precedent, bilateral treaties or agreements are only valid for contracting countries; they do not affect the rights and interests of third parties. Japan has made statements aligned with this position on several occasions. For example, on June 8, the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association stated that negotiations between Japan and the Philippines would not affect the rights of third parties. As such, negotiations on the delimitation of maritime boundaries between Japan and the Philippines do not have any effect on Taiwan, nor do they affect the present or future rights and interests of Taiwan as concerns its EEZ to Taiwan’s east. Second, if Japan and the Philippines engage in related negotiations in the future, the two parties should fully take into account Taiwan’s rights and interests in overlapping waters and maintain communication and consultations with Taiwan.Third, existing cooperation mechanisms-such as the Taiwan-Japan Fisheries Agreement, signed in 2013, and the Agreement Concerning the Facilitation of Cooperation on Law Enforcement in Fisheries Matters, concluded by Taiwan and the Philippines in 2015-remain in force. Taiwan continues to engage in communication and exchanges concerning related maritime issues with both Japan and the Philippines via these arrangements.MOFA also makes a clarification in response to false narratives that conflate the delimitation of exclusive economic zones with territorial or maritime sovereignty and make claims that Taiwan’s territory or territorial waters would be partitioned. Such assertions are not in keeping with how international maritime law actually applies and do not match the facts on the ground. In accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, an exclusive economic zone is a maritime regime under which a coastal state enjoys certain sovereign rights and jurisdiction over maritime resources. It is not indicative of a state’s territory or territorial waters.Therefore, negotiations on the delimitation of exclusive economic zones between Japan and the Philippines do not involve Taiwan’s sovereignty or the right of Taiwan’s fishers to conduct legitimate operations in Taiwan’s exclusive economic zone.Furthermore, Japan and the Philippines have not yet launched negotiations or established a timeline for doing so. Claims that Taiwan’s fishers will be immediately subject to onboard inspections, detention, or operational restrictions as a result of negotiations are inconsistent with the facts.MOFA will continue to remain in close contact with related countries and firmly uphold Taiwan’s maritime rights and interests as well as those of its fishers. MOFA urges all sectors to consider issues rationally and not be misled by false information. MOFA calls on the international community to pay close attention to China’s recent provocative actions in the waters surrounding Taiwan, which have undermined regional peace and stability, and jointly safeguard a free and open Indo-Pacific order. (E)

MOFA response to media report concerning alleged pro-China remarks by US scholar at Eswatini cabinet meeting

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to media report concerning alleged pro-China remarks by US scholar at Eswatini cabinet meeting

Date:2026-06-12
Data Source:Department of West Asian and African Affairs

June 12, 2026  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Embassy of the ROC (Taiwan) in Eswatini are fully aware of related reporting and the political situation in Eswatini following an online media report by South Africa-based Swaziland News that in April, Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Dlamini invited US economist Jeffrey Sachs to participate in a cabinet retreat, during which Mr. Sachs allegedly asserted that Eswatini should establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China on the grounds of economic interests.

The opinion allegedly articulated by Mr. Sachs is merely the personal view of an overseas academic. It prompted strong expressions of concern and questions from a number of Taiwan-friendly members of the Eswatini Parliament, clearly demonstrating that the solid diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Eswatini enjoy extensive recognition and high levels of support from all quarters of Eswatini society.

The ROC (Taiwan) and the Kingdom of Eswatini established diplomatic ties more than half a century ago, and the two nations have long maintained close cooperation in a range of fields. Bilateral relations advanced further when President Lai Ching-te visited Eswatini in May, traveling there aboard King Mswati III’s official jet.

In remarks made in the international arena and domestically, King Mswati has continued to staunchly endorse bilateral ties. Diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Eswatini remain stable and cordial. Furthermore, in displays of close friendship with Taiwan, Prime Minister Dlamini and his wife visited Taiwan in 2024, and Prime Minister Dlamini personally greeted President Lai at the airport during his visit to Eswatini in May.

The government of Taiwan is closely monitoring China’s use of zero tariffs and other economic sweeteners as bait as it attempts to divide Taiwan and its diplomatic allies and suppress Taiwan’s international space. MOFA strongly condemns such actions. China has long made exaggerated and false economic commitments in its coercion of other nations, not only conspiring to undermine unity within nations maintaining diplomatic ties with Taiwan but also making associated promises that have proven to be worthless.

Long-term cooperation between Taiwan and Eswatini in such areas as agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, ICT, energy, and economics and trade has generated abundant results, yielding genuine benefits for the vast majority of Eswatini citizens. This is the consensus of King Mswati and Eswatini society.

Building upon this foundation and giving full play to the spirit of integrated diplomacy, Taiwan will continue to promote the development of cooperative, mutually beneficial bilateral ties, working with Eswatini to safeguard the welfare of both peoples and the friendship between both nations.

MOFA greatly welcomes G7 leaders’ statement opposing any unilateral attempts to change cross-strait status quo

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA greatly welcomes G7 leaders’ statement opposing any unilateral attempts to change cross-strait status quo

Date:2026-06-17
Data Source:Department of European Affairs

June 17, 2026  No. 272  Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung warmly welcomes the Group of Seven (G7) leaders’ statement on geopolitical issues, which was released following the G7 summit in Evian, France, from June 15 to 17. The statement emphasized the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific region based on the rule of law. It also reiterated the G7’s staunch opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East China Sea, the South China Sea, and across the Taiwan Strait—particularly through force or coercion—and advocated the peaceful resolution of differences through dialogue. Minister Lin sincerely thanks G7 members for continuing to demonstrate through concrete action the high level of importance they attach to cross-strait peace and stability.

The fact that the statement reaffirmed the G7’s support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait underscores that maintaining the status quo has become an international consensus. As a responsible democratic country in the Indo-Pacific, Taiwan will continue to work with G7 members and like-minded partners worldwide to jointly safeguard the rules-based international order and contribute to regional peace, stability, and prosperity. (E)

ROC (Taiwan) government expresses sincere condolences on passing of Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

ROC (Taiwan) government expresses sincere condolences on passing of Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha

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

June 16, 2026  No. 271  The government of the ROC (Taiwan) expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati Kromluangrajasarinisiribajra Mahavajrarajadhita, eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua of the Kingdom of Thailand. President Lai Ching-te and Premier Cho Jung-tai have conveyed the sympathies of the people and government of Taiwan over the loss of Princess Bajrakitiyabha through the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand. On June 16, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Baushuan Ger visited the Thailand Trade and Economic Office in Taipei to pay his respects and deliver a message of condolence on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Princess Bajrakitiyabha devoted her life to the nation and people of Thailand, serving in such key positions as prosecutor in the Office of the Attorney General and Thailand’s ambassador to Austria. She was also a long-term campaigner for elevating the status of women and vulnerable groups. Her wisdom and compassion were deeply admired by the Thai people. The cabinet of Thailand has ordered a 15-day period of national mourning. MOFA asks citizens visiting Thailand to observe royal mourning protocols as a mark of respect to the country during this somber time. (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 refutes false claims by China regarding Taiwan following meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang and Mongolian President Khurelsukh

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly refutes false claims by China regarding Taiwan following meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang and Mongolian President Khurelsukh

Date:2026-06-14
Data Source:Department of West Asian and African Affairs

June 14, 2026  No. 266  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) refutes in the strongest possible terms the false claims made by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a press release following a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa. The press release, issued on June 13, seriously infringed on Taiwan’s sovereignty. MOFA condemns China for repeatedly exploiting interactions with other countries to disseminate baseless rhetoric regarding the so-called “one China principle” in an effort to distort the truth and mislead the international community.

The ROC (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country, and neither it nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. These are undeniable, objective facts and the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. No attempts to denigrate Taiwan’s sovereign status through erroneous narratives or joint statements can change this indisputable reality. 

MOFA once again strongly urges the world to seriously acknowledge China’s long-standing practice of utilizing various forms of coercion and incentives to undermine the sovereign decisions of other nations. These actions not only seek to suppress Taiwan, but they also pose major challenges to the global democratic system and the rules-based international order.

MOFA reiterates that Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation with all like-minded countries to staunchly defend democracy. Regardless of any economic coercion or diplomatic bullying that the ROC (Taiwan) might face, it will steadfastly maintain its stance, actively engage with the world, and comprehensively bolster national resilience. (E)

MOFA strongly condemns brazen and unprecedented intrusion into waters around Taiping Island by Chinese government vessels, urges international community to jointly counter China’s illegal actions

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly condemns brazen and unprecedented intrusion into waters around Taiping Island by Chinese government vessels, urges international community to jointly counter China’s illegal actions

Date:2026-06-12
Data Source:Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

June 12, 2026  No. 264  Two Chinese government vessels committed a brazen and unprecedented intrusion into waters around Taiwan’s Taiping Island on the morning of June 11.

Following the illegal harassment by Chinese government vessels of cargo ships exercising their right to freedom of navigation in Taiwan’s eastern waters in recent days, this was another hostile escalation of gray-zone activities and part of a pattern of aggressive behavior that constitutes a grave threat to Taiwan’s sovereign rights and interests and maritime security, as well as regional peace.

The Chinese government’s unreasonable activities are a serious breach of international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and a flagrant attempt to undermine the international order.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) solemnly condemns China’s unlawful actions, which harm Taiwan’s sovereignty, undermine regional peace and stability, and challenge the international order.

Furthermore, MOFA reiterates that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is subordinate to the other and that the South China Sea Islands are part of the territory of the ROC. That the ROC enjoys all rights over the South China Sea Islands and their relevant waters in accordance with international law and the law of the sea is beyond dispute and challenge. The incursion of Chinese government vessels into the waters surrounding Taiping Island has severely violated Taiwan’s sovereignty and jeopardized the safety of Taiwanese vessels and personnel. China’s malicious provocations and heavy-handed actions have severely contravened the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, other international laws pertaining to maritime safety, and the law of the sea. They have blatantly challenged the international order and disrupted regional peace, security, and stability.

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 counter China’s unlawful conduct. Taiwan is a party committed to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea. The government of Taiwan will continue to staunchly safeguard maritime security and continue to seek the support of like-minded nations in jointly maintaining security in the Indo-Pacific region. (E)