MOFA strongly protests Nauruan government directive that distorts Taiwan’s sovereignty

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly protests Nauruan government directive that distorts Taiwan’s sovereignty

Date:2026-05-21
Data Source:Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

May 21, 2026  
No. 224  
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly protests the May 15 decision by the government of the Republic of Nauru to order all personnel representing the government and state-owned enterprises to observe the “one China principle.” MOFA expresses great displeasure at this policy, which is not in keeping with the facts. 
 
MOFA solemnly states that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign nation of 23 million people. Neither it nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. The PRC has never governed Taiwan, and Taiwan is not a part of the PRC.
 
As is widely known, UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 addresses only the issue of China’s representation. The resolution does not mention Taiwan, nor does it recognize Taiwan as part of the PRC. These are established facts and the objective situation on which there is international consensus. The Nauruan government’s attempt to distort Taiwan’s sovereign status is therefore fundamentally flawed.
 
MOFA emphasizes that Taiwan has long held to the principles of mutual respect, transparent cooperation, and shared democratic values in pursuing stronger partnerships with Pacific nations. In the future, Taiwan will continue to further deepen cooperation and jointly address such challenges as climate change, disaster resilience, sustainable development, and maritime security to ensure a free, open, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. (E)

MOFA thanks prominent members of US Congress for publicly expressing support of Taiwan

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA thanks prominent members of US Congress for publicly expressing support of Taiwan

Date:2026-05-16
Data Source:Department of North American Affairs

May 16, 2026  
No. 212  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is sincerely grateful to members of the US Congress from both sides of the aisle who have continued to demonstrate strong support for Taiwan’s security and attach importance to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. In recent days, numerous lawmakers have reaffirmed the Taiwan Relations Act, the Six Assurances, and other long-standing and consistent US policies toward Taiwan. They have also publicly supported further arms sales to strengthen Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities.
 
US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) publicly reiterated support for Taiwan on May 15, underlining that Congress had always been highly concerned about cross-strait issues and explicitly stating that the US position was that Taiwan needs to be independent and secure. Other leading members of the US Senate and House of Representatives from both parties have stressed that the United States should fulfill its long-term commitments, promote arms sales, and continue to provide assistance to Taiwan in acquiring the necessary defensive capacities to strengthen deterrence. Among them were Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Senator John Curtis (R-UT), who jointly led a delegation to Taiwan this year, as well as other prominent Democratic senators on the committee. Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (D-NY) and Chairman Emeritus Michael McCaul (R-TX) of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Ranking Member Ro Khanna (D-CA) of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, and Chairman Zach Nunn (R-IA) of the House of Representatives National Security Task Force of the Republican Study Committee also expressed support for Taiwan.
 
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung thanks Taiwan’s friends on both sides of the congressional aisle for continuing to focus attention on China’s intensifying military pressure and gray-zone coercion of Taiwan in recent years. Minister Lin appreciates their numerous reaffirmations of support for Taiwan’s efforts to bolster self-defense and deterrence capabilities. The active backing of both chambers of the US Congress at this critical juncture once again demonstrates the high degree of bipartisan consensus on Capitol Hill for supporting and prioritizing Taiwan. It also fully reflects that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait serves global interests.
 
MOFA emphasizes that Taiwan, as a responsible member of the international community, will continue to contribute to regional peace and stability under the leadership of President Lai Ching-te. Taiwan remains committed to maintaining the cross-strait status quo, demonstrating its determination to defend itself, and further deepening security cooperation with the United States and other allies and friends in the global democratic community. Taiwan and its partners will jointly address threats to geopolitical security and challenges to international order and stability posed by authoritarian regimes, and uphold peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and throughout the Indo-Pacific region. (E)

Foreign Minister Lin thanks US Congress members for raising concern with WTO director-general over Taiwan’s effective exclusion from WTO MC14

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Foreign Minister Lin thanks US Congress members for raising concern with WTO director-general over Taiwan’s effective exclusion from WTO MC14

Date:2026-05-16
Data Source:Public Diplomacy Coordination Council

May 16, 2026  
No. 211  

The 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) was held in March this year. The host country, Cameroon, downgraded Taiwan’s designation for the event, compelling Taiwan to be absent. In response, 26 members of the US House of Representatives from across the political aisle sent a joint letter on May 14 to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, expressing serious concern and urging the WTO Secretariat to ensure that similar incidents undermining the rights of members would not occur again. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung expresses his sincere appreciation for the joint letter.
 
Led by House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda Sánchez (D-CA), House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chair Adrian Smith (R-NE), and House and Ways Committee Vice Ranking Member Judy Chu (D-CA), the 26 members of Congress emphasized in their letter that since Taiwan’s accession to the WTO in 2002 as a separate customs territory, its status had been respected and it had enjoyed full and equal participation at Ministerial Conferences alongside other members. 
 
The joint letter also noted that Cameroon had issued visas for the Taiwan delegates using the nomenclature “Taiwan, Province of China,” implying that Taiwan was not a WTO member in its own right. It added that this designation was an improper infringement of Taiwan’s right as a full WTO member.
 
The lawmakers requested that the WTO director-general respond by June 3 to questions on how the WTO Secretariat would ensure that this incident did not set a precedent for future Ministerial Conferences and whether the WTO Secretariat was putting in place written guidelines to provide assurances that similar incidents undermining the rights of members would not occur at future Ministerial Conferences.
 
Minister Lin thanks the members of Congress once again for their firm support and asserts that Taiwan will continue to work closely with like-minded WTO members to staunchly safeguard its rights and dignity.(E)

MOFA response to US President Trump’s comments to the media following the Trump-Xi summit

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to US President Trump’s comments to the media following the Trump-Xi summit

Date:2026-05-16
Data Source:Public Diplomacy Coordination Council

May 16, 2026  
 
We note that the United States has repeatedly stressed that its long-standing policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged. This position has been reaffirmed by President Donald Trump.
 
Our position is clear: Taiwan will continue to contribute to regional peace and stability. We are determined to maintain the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. This has consistently been the stance of President Lai Ching-te and the firm commitment of the 23 million people of Taiwan. It is self-evident that the ROC (Taiwan) is a sovereign democratic country. Beijing has no right to claim jurisdiction over Taiwan. The government of Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation with the United States, maintain peace through strength, and ensure that the security and stability of the Taiwan Strait are not threatened or undermined. This serves the shared interests of Taiwan, the United States, and democracies around the world.
 
China’s military threat remains the primary source of regional instability, driving countries in the first island chain to strengthen their defense capabilities in coordination with the United States. US arms sales to Taiwan are both part of US security commitments under the Taiwan Relations Act and a key element of collective deterrence against regional threats. We are grateful for President Trump’s continued support for cross-strait security since his first term, including announcements of weapons sales that have reached record highs. Taiwan-US cooperation has always been demonstrated through concrete actions and we look forward to the United States continuing to fulfill its commitments under the Taiwan Relations Act. Taiwan will further work with the United States and other democratic partners worldwide to address the risks that authoritarian regimes pose to geopolitical security and global order and stability.

MOFA response to European Parliament recommendation supporting Taiwan’s meaningful international participation

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to European Parliament recommendation supporting Taiwan’s meaningful international participation

May 21, 2026  Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung warmly welcomes a recommendation adopted by the European Parliament on May 20 that reiterates support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations, expresses concern over the situation in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, and opposes any unilateral change to the status quo by coercion or force. The text is a recommendation on the European Union’s position on the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for the European Council, European Commission, and vice president of the European Commission and high representative of the EU for foreign affairs and security policy. It is a further concrete demonstration of support by the European Parliament for Taiwan’s international engagement and for the maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.The recommendation highlights the European Parliament’s 2024 resolution on the misinterpretation of UNGA Resolution 2758 by the People’s Republic of China and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan. It underlines that UNGA Resolution 2758 neither determines the sovereignty of Taiwan nor mentions Taiwan, and cannot be used to exclude Taiwan from the international system. It urges the EU to step up support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations for the benefit of the international community. The adopted text recommends that the EU engage in diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea and oppose any unilateral change to the status quo by coercion or force. It encourages the EU to work more closely with like-minded partners to reinforce stability and security in the region around the Taiwan Strait and strengthen deterrence against coercive or military actions. It also urges further endeavors to defend the principle of the prohibition of the use of force codified in the UN Charter. Moreover, the recommendation calls for the UN to grant access to its events to activists, civil society representatives, and journalists holding Taiwan passports. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanks the European Parliament for continuing to advocate for Taiwan’s international participation. Taiwan will further strengthen coordination with the EU and other like-minded partners to jointly uphold the rules-based international order and defend the values of democracy, freedom, and human rights. It will continue to actively contribute to the international community and strive for peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and around the world.

MOFA strongly refutes false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement by China and Pakistan

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly refutes false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement by China and Pakistan

Date:2026-05-26
Data Source:Department of West Asian and African Affairs

May 26, 2026  No.235  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) refutes and condemns in the strongest possible terms the false claims made in a joint statement between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The statement, issued on May 26, aims to downgrade Taiwan’s sovereignty. MOFA solemnly denounces China for once again exploiting interactions with other countries to disseminate baseless rhetoric regarding the so-called “one China principle” and United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 in an effort to distort the facts and mislead the international community.

The Republic of China (Taiwan) is an independent and sovereign country, and neither it nor the PRC 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 calls on 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.

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

MOFA thanks United States for expressing concern over China’s actions in Taiwan’s eastern waters

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA thanks United States for expressing concern over China’s actions in Taiwan’s eastern waters

Date:2026-06-24
Data Source:Department of North American Affairs

June 24, 2026  No. 288  Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung welcomes and commends recent statements made by the United States based on its staunch support for Taiwan’s security, cross-strait peace and stability, and the international maritime order. 
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) notes that the Taipei Main Office of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT/T) expressed concern over the fact that China dispatched coast guard vessels to Taiwan’s eastern waters and harassed commercial ships. AIT/T clearly stated that China’s claims to jurisdiction over waters that have been peaceably administered by Taiwan for over 70 years seriously undermined regional stability and contravened China’s own statements that it would seek a peaceful resolution of disputes. 
 
The AIT/T spokesperson further stated that the United States rejected any claim by China that it had the authority to interfere with freedom of navigation and overflight, the freedom to lay undersea cables, and other lawful uses of the sea. It urged China to cease its military, diplomatic, and economic pressure on Taiwan and to instead engage in meaningful dialogue with Taiwan’s democratically elected government. 
 
MOFA points out that China’s government vessels have continued to make illegal intrusions in the waters east of Taiwan and in the waters near Taiping Island throughout the month of June. These vessels have improperly interfered with the free navigation of commercial ships. Such behavior, which undermines peace, stability, and the international order, has aroused serious concern among the international community. 
 
MOFA reiterates that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. Taiwan enjoys all rights and jurisdiction over its appertaining waters in accordance with international law and the law of the sea. 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 calls on China to stop escalating its threats against Taiwan and the region, as well as to cease its attempts to unilaterally change the status quo and undermine the international maritime order. MOFA will continue to collaborate with like-minded nations such as the United States to jointly safeguard lawful uses of the sea, including the freedom of navigation and overflight, and defend regional peace, stability and prosperity. (E)

MOFA thanks UK, French, and German missions in Taiwan for joint statement expressing concern over Chinese activities in waters east of Taiwan

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA thanks UK, French, and German missions in Taiwan for joint statement expressing concern over Chinese activities in waters east of Taiwan

Date:2026-06-24
Data Source:Department of European Affairs

June 24, 2026  
No. 287  Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung sincerely thanks the British Office Taipei, French Office in Taipei, and German Institute Taipei for issuing a joint statement on June 24 expressing concern over recent Chinese activities in the waters east of Taiwan. 
 
The statement stressed that these actions threatened regional stability, the freedom of navigation, and international shipping safety. It also reiterated opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo, particularly by threat or use of force or coercion. Moreover, it said that all navigational rights and freedoms, as well as the safety of seafarers and vessels, must be guaranteed and respected. 
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) points out that China has recently made incursions into the waters east of Taiwan and harassed and interfered with vessels, using law enforcement as a pretext to expand its power. Such actions not only lack a basis in international law but also seriously impact regional security, freedom of navigation, and the international maritime shipping order. 
 
Taiwan has repeatedly and solemnly condemned China’s attempts to exert pressure on it through complex threats and other means for further undermining regional peace and stability.
 
Upholding the spirit of this year’s G7 leaders’ statement on geopolitical issues, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany have once again taken concrete actions to show support for the maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the rules-based international order. This fully reflects the fact that ensuring peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and nearby waters is in the common interests of the international community. (E)

MOFA strongly condemns and refutes absurd claims regarding Taiwan by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly condemns and refutes absurd claims regarding Taiwan by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office

Date:2026-06-24
Data Source:Department of Policy Planning

June 24, 2026  
No. 286  
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly condemns and refutes the false statements issued by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office on June 24. Its spokesperson made such absurd claims as “the reunification of China will not harm the legitimate interests of any other country, including any economic interests they might have in Taiwan.” This is utterly devoid of diplomatic common sense. 
 
MOFA solemnly reiterates that the ROC (Taiwan) and the People’s Republic of China are both sovereign and independent countries and that neither is subordinate to the other. Taiwan is a democratic and free society, and its future will be determined by the 23 million people of Taiwan. China has no say in this matter.
 
MOFA emphasizes that Taiwan interacts with other nations and engages in a variety of diplomatic activities worldwide on the basis of its national sovereignty, actively making concrete contributions to the international community. Taiwan has become an indispensable partner in safeguarding global peace and prosperity. This has never been predicated on obtaining China’s consent or satisfying any political preconditions set by Beijing.
 
The ROC (Taiwan) will continue to defend its national sovereignty and dignity, expand and deepen substantive relations with other countries, and strive for even greater international participation to ensure peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and the region. (E)

President Lai meets Marshall Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani R. Kaneko

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai meets Marshall Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani R. Kaneko
On the afternoon of July 1, President Lai Ching-te met with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani R. Kaneko of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and his wife. In remarks, President Lai stated that Taiwan and the Marshall Islands share universal values including democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights, and cooperation between our two nations in recent years has continued to yield fruitful results in such areas as agriculture, medicine and public health, education, women’s empowerment, and climate change response. The president said that amidst the rapidly changing international political and economic landscape, and faced with the restructuring of global supply chains and other challenges, Taiwan will continue to deepen collaboration with the Marshall Islands to jointly bolster economic resilience. He expressed hope that the two nations will continue to support each other and move forward side by side in the international arena.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
I extend a very warm welcome to Minister Kaneko, Madame Lorraine Kaneko, and the members of the delegation on this visit to Taiwan. During my tenure as president, Minister Kaneko has joined Marshall Islands President Hilda C. Heine on two of her visits to Taiwan. And when I visited the Marshall Islands in 2024, I was cordially received by both of you. I am delighted that we are meeting here today for further exchanges.
Minister Kaneko, I would like to thank you for continuing to advance exchanges and cooperation between our countries over many years. Throughout your time as minister of health and human services, and in your current role as minister of foreign affairs and trade, you have strongly advocated for Taiwan’s international participation and fully demonstrated your government’s regard and support for our diplomatic friendship.
Taiwan and the Marshall Islands share a profound connection through Austronesian culture and common values, including democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights. In the past few years, cooperation between our two nations has continued to yield fruitful results in such areas as agriculture, medicine and public health, education, women’s empowerment, and climate change response. Amidst the rapidly changing international political and economic landscape, many nations are now faced with the restructuring of global supply chains and other challenges. Taiwan will continue to deepen collaboration with the Marshall Islands across various domains so as to jointly bolster economic resilience and enhance our peoples’ well-being.
That is why, in April, I designated Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) as my special envoy to lead a trade and investment delegation to the Marshall Islands, the goal of which was to further facilitate economic, trade, and industrial exchanges between our nations and jointly expand our spheres of cooperation. Furthermore, on behalf of all in Taiwan, I would like to once again extend our deepest sympathies to those affected by the devastating fire which broke out on Ebeye Island last month. Beyond providing assistance for post-disaster reconstruction, we also stand ready to work with the Marshall Islands to strengthen disaster prevention and resilience, jointly protecting the public and safeguarding social stability.
We also look forward to our nations supporting each other and moving forward side by side in the international arena. This year’s Pacific Islands Forum will be held at the end of August. With the backing of the Marshall Islands and other like-minded partners, I hope that Taiwan will be able to contribute even more to regional peace, prosperity, and development.
In closing, I once again welcome Minister Kaneko, Madame Kaneko, and the esteemed delegation. Please kindly convey our sincerest regards to President Heine from Taiwan. I am sure that, with your support, our alliance will continue to deepen and grow even stronger.
Minister Kaneko then delivered remarks, first conveying warm greetings on behalf of President Heine and the government and people of the Marshall Islands. He expressed that he was deeply honored to be in Taiwan on this official visit, and extended his sincere appreciation to President Lai and the government for their gracious invitation and warm welcome.
Minister Kaneko noted that this year marks the 28th anniversary of diplomatic ties between our two nations, expressing pride in the enduring friendship between the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of China (Taiwan). He added that the two countries have a special and enduring relationship, one rooted in our shared Austronesian heritage and strengthened by mutual respect for each other’s democratic systems and our steadfast commitment to the core values of freedom, justice, and the rule of law.
Minister Kaneko pointed out that support from the Republic of China (Taiwan) continues to be invaluable to the people and national development of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, particularly in the areas of health, education, economic development, and climate resilience. He also expressed appreciation for the opportunities provided to Marshallese youth studying in Taiwan, as well as for the care extended to his nation’s citizens receiving medical treatment in Taiwan.
Minister Kaneko emphasized that the Republic of the Marshall Islands is committed to advocating for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in United Nations systems and other regional and international organizations. He stated that his country will continue to call on the UN to take immediate action to resolve the inappropriate exclusion of Taiwan’s 23.6 million people from UN mechanisms and activities.
In closing, Minister Kaneko once again extended his sincere gratitude and stated that he looked forward to the bilateral discussions and to continuing close cooperation in advancing our shared priorities.
The delegation also included Iroij Leikman Zedkeia. The group was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands Cassailis Jarom.