MOFA thanks Australia and New Zealand for issuing joint statement reaffirming support for peace and stability across Taiwan Strait

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA thanks Australia and New Zealand for issuing joint statement reaffirming support for peace and stability across Taiwan Strait

Date:2026-06-08
Data Source:Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

June 8, 2026  
No. 254  

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung strongly affirms and warmly welcomes the joint statement released by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on June 6, in which they devoted a separate paragraph to underscore the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, oppose any unilateral action to change the status quo through coercion or the use of force, and encourage cross-strait dialogue. 
 
The statement was issued following a meeting between the leaders in Noosa, Queensland. Last August, the prime ministers also jointly underlined their consistent position on prioritizing a peaceful and stable Taiwan Strait. The statement released after the Australia-New Zealand Foreign and Defense Ministerial Consultations this March expressed a similar stance. The latest pronouncement is a further affirmation by the two governments of the need to maintain cross-strait peace and stability.
 
The two leaders’ statement also expressed concerns about the intensification of tensions in the South and East China Seas, including the militarization of disputed features and other destabilizing activities. It called on all countries to resolve maritime disputes peacefully in adherence with the principles of international law, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
 
Australia and New Zealand are both important partners of Taiwan in the Indo-Pacific region that share the values of democracy and freedom. The government of Taiwan welcomes the continued focus of attention by Australia, New Zealand, and other democratic partner countries on the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the South and East China Seas. Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation with like-minded nations to safeguard a stable, peaceful, and prosperous region. (E)

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

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

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

April 22, 2026  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) expresses sincere gratitude and affirmation to the European Union for its statement that decisions concerning overflights should not be taken to achieve political objectives. The statement came in response to China’s politically motivated interference in international civil aviation operations and legitimate diplomatic exchanges, which led to the postponement of President Lai Ching-te’s planned visit to diplomatic ally Eswatini.An EU spokesperson stated on April 21 in response to a media inquiry that the European Union attached great importance to the Chicago Convention, under which civilian aviation was to be safe, orderly, and predictable. The spokesperson also stressed that overflight rights were a cornerstone of international civil aviation, while predictability and neutrality in airspace management were critical to safety, commerce, and diplomacy. While states exercised sovereignty over their airspace, the spokesperson continued, related decisions should be taken in a transparent and predictable manner, with the primary consideration being aviation safety and operational stability, not political objectives.President Lai had intended for the trip to enhance bilateral relations and promote cooperation projects. However, China applied political pressure on third countries and interfered with their control over their own airspace. This amounts to not only undue influence on international civil aviation but also a disruption of both regional flight security and normal diplomatic exchanges. MOFA emphasizes that, as a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan has always adhered to related international norms. It strongly condemns China for its actions. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to work with the European Union and like-minded partners to deepen cooperation and uphold the rules-based international order so as to ensure an environment conducive to secure, open, and predictable international aviation and diplomacy.

MOFA response to Polish government publicly expressing opposition to unilateral attempts to change cross-strait status quo

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to Polish government publicly expressing opposition to unilateral attempts to change cross-strait status quo

April 1, 2026The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sincerely welcomes and appreciates the fact that recently the government of Poland for the first time publicly expressed its concern about growing tensions across the Taiwan Strait and its opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion. These statements were made by Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Władysław Bartoszewski in a written response to an interpellation by Kacper Płażyński, member of the Sejm, which was published on the Sejm website.Taiwan and Poland share such universal values as democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. Building on this foundation, the two countries have steadily strengthened bilateral relations in recent years. MOFA will continue to promote substantive cooperation and exchanges with Poland and other like-minded countries so as to jointly uphold the rules-based international order and safeguard peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and across the world.

MOFA welcomes US fact sheet following US-Japan summit reiterating importance of peace and stability across Taiwan Strait

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA welcomes US fact sheet following US-Japan summit reiterating importance of peace and stability across Taiwan Strait

March 20, 2026No.102US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held a summit on March 19 in Washington, DC. A fact sheet issued by the United States following the summit reiterated that the leaders of the United States and Japan were committed to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as an indispensable element of regional security and global prosperity, supported the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues through dialogue, and opposed any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo, including by force or coercion.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung sincerely welcomes and appreciates the fact that, following the US-Japan summit in February 2025, the leaders of the United States and Japan have once again voiced staunch support for maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and opposition to any unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force or coercion.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs encourages the international community to continue to pay close attention to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan is the most critical hub in defending the first island chain. It also serves as a key node in advancing global prosperity and economic development. Based on shared interests, Taiwan will continue to strengthen cooperation with the United States, Japan, and other like-minded countries so as to maintain the status quo and jointly ensure peace, stability, and prosperity around the globe and across the Taiwan Strait. (E)

MOFA response to Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi emphasizing importance of cross-strait peace and stability at first press conference since reappointment

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi emphasizing importance of cross-strait peace and stability at first press conference since reappointment

February 20, 2026On February 19, Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Toshimitsu Motegi held his first press conference since his reappointment. During the briefing, Minister Motegi highlighted the utmost importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung appreciates and welcomes the remarks.Since its formation last October, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s cabinet has repeatedly urged countries to place emphasis on cross-strait issues at such major international events as the 28th ASEAN-Japan Summit, the 20th East Asia Summit, and the Japan-US summit. During both the Japan-China leaders’ meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and the Japan-China defense ministerial meeting last November, as well as China’s military exercises around Taiwan last December, Japan directly expressed deep concern to China over cross-strait and regional security. These pronouncements demonstrate that ensuring peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is integral to the security and prosperity of Japan and the world and in the shared interests of the international community.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) welcomes the continued cooperation among democratic countries to counter the expansion of authoritarianism. MOFA also calls on countries to pay close attention to cross-strait developments and take concrete actions to safeguard security across the Taiwan Strait. Looking ahead, Taiwan will further enhance its self-defense capabilities, build whole-of-society defense resilience, and work closely with friendly countries and allies to ensure the peace, stability, and prosperity of Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific region.

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

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

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

February 4, 2026  
 
Chinese leader Xi Jinping met with Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi on February 3. Following the meeting, China and Uruguay issued a joint statement which blatantly ignored objective reality and contained statements that gravely distorted the facts, including claiming that Taiwan was an inalienable part of China’s territory. 
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) solemnly protests and condemns the Chinese government’s repeated dissemination of malicious rhetoric in the international community and its efforts to denigrate Taiwan’s sovereignty. MOFA also expresses deep regret over the Uruguayan government’s subservience to China and alignment with its political position.
 
MOFA reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country; that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is subordinate to the other; and that the PRC has never governed Taiwan. Any attempt to distort Taiwan’s sovereign status or claim sovereignty over Taiwan based on false narratives is erroneous and unacceptable. China continues to use threats, enticements, and rhetorical manipulation to spread disinformation at international events. This not only seriously challenges the world order and peace, it also clearly underscores the malignant nature of China’s authoritarian interference in the affairs of other nations. Countries everywhere should pay close heed.
 
MOFA calls on the government of Uruguay to recognize the true intentions behind China’s global expansion of influence, to stop being complicit in China’s disregard for the facts, and to refrain from endorsing its intentionally aggressive statements that seek to undermine regional peace and stability. MOFA urges Uruguay to adopt a pragmatic and open attitude and work with Taiwan and other democratic nations in jointly safeguarding peace, stability, and prosperity worldwide.
 
Taiwan’s sovereignty belongs to the people of Taiwan, and only they can decide Taiwan’s future. As a force for good, Taiwan will continue to defend freedom and democracy and strengthen cooperation with like-minded countries so as to staunchly protect national sovereignty, counter authoritarian expansionism, uphold shared values, and contribute even more to the international community.

MOFA solemnly refutes absurd claims by China’s Foreign Ministry and Taiwan Affairs Office following President Lai’s address on second anniversary of inauguration

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA solemnly refutes absurd claims by China’s Foreign Ministry and Taiwan Affairs Office following President Lai’s address on second anniversary of inauguration

Date:2026-05-21
Data Source:Department of Policy Planning

May 21, 2026  
No. 221   

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) solemnly condemns and refutes the absurd remarks made by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Taiwan Affairs Office on May 20 following President Lai Ching-te’s speech marking the second anniversary of his inauguration. They again falsely claimed that Taiwan was part of China and stated that Taiwan was soliciting external support and pursuing military buildup to seek Taiwan independence.

MOFA reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent democratic country and that neither it nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. Taiwan has long upheld a democratic constitutional system and a free way of life. This is the status quo that Taiwan is determined to defend and the greatest consensus of the 23 million people of Taiwan. Regardless of how the Beijing authorities attempt to distort history or push certain legal narratives, they cannot change this internationally recognized status quo.

Taiwan is a guardian of democracy and the status quo. It remains committed to maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, but under no circumstances will it yield national sovereignty and dignity to coercion or pressure. Taiwan will do everything in its power to protect its democratic and free way of life.

To preserve cross-strait peace and stability, Taiwan will steadily bolster its self-defense capabilities and leverage its economic, trade, and technological advantages to become a pivotal force for promoting regional peace and stability. Taiwan calls on China to cease its military expansionism and gray-zone tactics across the Taiwan Strait and surrounding areas. Such actions are not supported by the people of Taiwan, and they underscore to the international community that China is the true troublemaker, disruptor of peace, and changer of the status quo in the region.

MOFA urges the Beijing authorities to acknowledge the objective fact of the existence of the ROC (Taiwan), respect the Taiwan people’s choice of a democratic and free system, stop repeated efforts to mislead the international community, and avoid further provocation and conflict. 

Taiwan will continue to work closely with the United States and other like-minded countries to jointly safeguard the rules-based international order and ensure peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. (E)

MOFA strongly refutes false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement and partnership treaty between China and Tajikistan

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly refutes false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement and partnership treaty between China and Tajikistan

Date:2026-05-13
Data Source:Department of West Asian and African Affairs

May 13, 2026  No. 204  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly refutes absurd claims made in a joint statement between China and Tajikistan on deepening their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in the new era and in a partnership treaty signed by the two countries on permanent good-neighborliness, friendship, and cooperation. The false and disparaging statements, such as “Taiwan is an inalienable part of China,” were included in a related press release issued by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 12. MOFA condemns China’s repeated appropriation of its interactions with other states to undermine Taiwan’s sovereign status.

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. This is an undeniable objective fact and the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. No statements that denigrate Taiwan’s sovereignty can change this reality. 

MOFA once again urges the international community to address China’s persistent use of various forms of coercion and enticement to undermine the sovereign decisions of other nations. China’s actions are not only designed to suppress Taiwan but also constitute a grave challenge to global democracy and the rule of law.

MOFA reiterates that Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation with like-minded countries and defend the front line of democracy. No matter what forms of economic coercion or diplomatic intimidation it faces, Taiwan will remain firmly committed to integrating with the world and demonstrating national resilience. (E)

MOFA solemnly refutes China’s false claims regarding Taiwan’s international participation

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA solemnly refutes China’s false claims regarding Taiwan’s international participation

Date:2026-05-12
Data Source:Department of International Organizations

May 12, 2026  
No. 202  
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) condemns and denounces in the strongest terms China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for issuing false statements on May 11 that sought to downgrade Taiwan’s sovereignty. These remarks included the inappropriate citation of China’s so-called “one China principle” and the spurious claim that Taiwan’s inclusion in international organizations required approval. They were aimed at obstructing Taiwan’s participation in the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA). 
 
MOFA solemnly reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent nation and that neither it nor the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is subordinate to the other. This is the internationally recognized status quo across the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan has the right to participate in such international organizations as the United Nations (UN). And China has no right to comment or interfere with this. 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 PRC, and the PRC has never governed Taiwan. Taiwan has never been part of the PRC. These are incontrovertible facts. 
 
The ROC (Taiwan) has completed eight direct presidential elections following a process of political liberalization and democratization. Members of the Legislative Yuan are all elected directly by the people. There is therefore a complete and effective democratic governance mechanism in place. Taiwan’s participation in international organizations is a legitimate and legal right grounded in its sovereignty. Furthermore, only Taiwan’s democratically elected government can represent the people of Taiwan in the international community and multilateral mechanisms. 
 
MOFA emphasizes that health is a fundamental human right and should not be subject to political interference. Taiwan’s contributions to global epidemic prevention and public health have been internationally recognized. It is an indispensable, constructive partner of the global health system. Since Taiwan began advocating participation in the WHA, international support has continued to increase, with numerous like-minded countries having repeatedly and publicly expressed support for Taiwan’s inclusion in the WHA. China’s use of politics to obstruct Taiwan’s participation has seriously undermined the right to health of all of people. Moreover, it goes against the World Health Organization’s core vision of leaving no one behind. 
 
MOFA once again underscores that United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 and WHA Resolution 25.1 make no mention of Taiwan. Thus, the resolutions cannot serve as a basis for precluding Taiwan’s participation in the UN system or other international organizations. MOFA urges the WHO Secretariat to uphold professionalism and neutrality, reject political interference by China, and promptly invite Taiwan to participate in the WHA as an observer to enable Taiwan to make greater contributions to global public health. (E)

MOFA strongly condemns China’s malicious claims and interference concerning President Lai’s visit to Eswatini; urges countries to uphold international order

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly condemns China’s malicious claims and interference concerning President Lai’s visit to Eswatini; urges countries to uphold international order

Date:2026-05-07
Data Source:Department of West Asian and African Affairs

May 7, 2026  No.184  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) condemns and denounces in the strongest terms China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for issuing a series of statements on May 6 that were malicious, disparaging, and contravened international norms. The remarks were in response to media inquiries concerning President Lai Ching-te’s visit to Eswatini.

As a sovereign and independent country, the Republic of China (Taiwan) has the fundamental right to conduct legitimate and routine mutual visits and exchanges between heads of state with allied nations. Such visits are also standard diplomatic practice. 

The original flight plan for President Lai’s visit fully complied with international civil aviation regulations. Yet China used all manner of measures to preemptively obstruct the normal overflight of the chartered plane used by Taiwan’s president. This undermined the international order and the sovereignty of other countries. Then, following the conclusion of President Lai’s trip, China disseminated disparaging remarks concerning the legitimate and legal trip by Taiwan’s head of state in an attempt to distort the truth and mislead the public.

Furthermore, China’s inappropriate comments smearing the prominent political figures of Eswatini, Taiwan’s staunch diplomatic ally in Africa, amount to utterly baseless disparagement. They are deeply offensive to the sovereignty of Eswatini and the dignity of its head of state. Cooperation between the two countries is based on parity, reciprocity, and mutual benefit. China’s contempt for other countries’ sovereign choices is rooted in a hegemonic mindset. It once again demonstrates the malign nature of China’s long-standing intimidation tactic—coercing other countries into accepting its political stance. It also reveals China’s persistent disregard for the international order and universal values grounded in democracy, freedom, and human rights.

With regard to China’s absurd statement that countries deferring to China’s stance upheld the “one China principle” in refusing to issue overflight permits for President Lai’s chartered plane, MOFA reiterates that the ROC (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country; that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is subordinate to the other; and that the PRC has never governed Taiwan. 

China continues to challenge the rules-based international order and objective status quo, openly flaunting an imperious mindset. MOFA calls on the international community to take the situation seriously and to recognize that China’s continued propagation of distorted historical narratives and statements, seconded by its actions, has severely undermined peace and stability in the international community.

MOFA emphasizes that no form of suppression can negate the factual existence of Taiwan or interfere with Taiwan’s determination to engage with the world. MOFA urges global democratic partners to recognize the pressing threat posed by the PRC’s authoritarian expansionism and to jointly safeguard international law and flight safety while maintaining the shared interests of the international community. (E)