MOFA strongly condemns absurd claims by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office regarding President Lai’s upcoming visit to Eswatini

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly condemns absurd claims by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office regarding President Lai’s upcoming visit to Eswatini

Date:2026-04-16
Data Source:Department of Policy Planning

April 16, 2026  
No. 147  
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (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 is subordinate to the other. Foreign visits by Taiwan’s president are a common occurrence and align with international practices. China has no right to comment on such matters. President Lai Ching-te is the democratically elected head of state of the ROC (Taiwan), making it even more inappropriate for China to maliciously disparage his overseas travel.
 
Taiwan has the right to freely choose to engage and develop ties with other countries. It will not accept any interference or suppression from other countries for any reason, nor will it succumb to intimidation and impose limits on its own international engagement. Despite the expansionism and intensifying coercion of authoritarian governments, Taiwan will not cower. Instead, it will continue to confidently interact with the world.
 
China has fiercely and relentlessly tried to diplomatically isolate Taiwan and undermine Taiwan’s international legal personality. This has not only impeded the positive development of cross-strait relations but also undermined the interests of the people of Taiwan. MOFA urges Beijing to immediately cease engaging in such actions, causing trouble in the international community, and sabotaging cross-strait relations. (E)

Special Envoy and Foreign Minister Lin leads trade and investment delegation to Marshall Islands, bolstering diplomatic ties and bilateral cooperation

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Special Envoy and Foreign Minister Lin leads trade and investment delegation to Marshall Islands, bolstering diplomatic ties and bilateral cooperation

Date:2026-04-07
Data Source:Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

April 7, 2026  
No. 132  

At the invitation of the government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands—one of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies in the Pacific—Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung, serving as special envoy of President Lai Ching-te, is leading a trade and investment delegation to the Marshall Islands from April 7 to 9. 

The delegation includes Hu Chi-chuan, Deputy Director General of the International Trade Administration of the Ministry of Economic Affairs; Tsai Shu-chen, Deputy Director General of the Food and Drug Administration of the Ministry of Health and Welfare; Shyy Li-jun, Deputy Secretary General of the International Cooperation and Development Fund; and members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs drone diplomacy task force. The delegation also comprises over 60 representatives from Taiwan’s fisheries, shipping, cold-chain logistics, medical devices, food processing, clean energy, and ICT industries. 

The delegation aims to leverage public-private partnerships and a model of larger enterprises leading smaller ones to match more Taiwanese businesses with investment opportunities in the Marshall Islands and thereby advance the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project.

Furthermore, to implement the Taiwan-Marshall Islands economic cooperation agreement, which entered into force on January 15, 2025, the first preparatory consultation for the agreement and a Marshall Islands investment opportunities briefing will be held, opening a new chapter in the expansion of bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

During his stay, Special Envoy Lin will meet with Marshall Islands President Hilda C. Heine, Nitijela Speaker Brenson Wase, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani Kaneko, other prominent political figures, and traditional leaders. The trip will also include visits to important sites of bilateral cooperation projects, such as the Majuro Track and Field Stadium (Micronesian Games host venue), the Majuro Hospital AI and Telemedicine Center, and a poultry farm. (E)

MOFA response to EU and Republic of Korea reiterating importance of peace and stability across Taiwan Strait at second EU-ROK Strategic Dialogue

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to EU and Republic of Korea reiterating importance of peace and stability across Taiwan Strait at second EU-ROK Strategic Dialogue

January 23, 2026High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union Kaja Kallas and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea Cho Hyun jointly held the second EU-ROK Strategic Dialogue in Brussels on January 22. During the talks, the two sides reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and their strong opposition to any unilateral attempts in the South China Sea to change the status quo by force or coercion, stating that this could undermine regional stability and the international rules-based order. The European Union (EU) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) also reiterated their condemnation of third-country support for Russia’s illegal war of aggression in Ukraine.Following the first EU-ROK Strategic Dialogue, this marks another instance of the EU and the ROK issuing a joint statement underscoring the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes and appreciates the statement. Facing authoritarian expansionism, which threatens regional peace, Taiwan, as a responsible member of the democratic alliance in the Indo-Pacific region, will continue to strengthen cooperation with such like-minded partners as the EU to jointly defend the values of freedom and democracy and uphold the international rules-based order.
 

Foreign Minister Lin completes successful visit to Eswatini, witnessing milestones in smart medicine, agriculture, and aquaculture cooperation

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

April 27, 2026  No.164  Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung, serving in the capacity of special presidential envoy, completed a successful two-day visit to the Kingdom of Eswatini on April 26 after being seen off at the airport by Eswatini Minister of Foreign Affairs Pholile Shakantu, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo, and members of the Taiwanese overseas community.

During the final day of his visit, Minister Lin accompanied Eswatini Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula to inspect the operations of the Taiwan Medical Mission’s smart medicine clinic at Manzini Government Hospital.

Through collaboration with Taiwan’s International Integrated Systems, the Taipei Medical University Hospital-operated medical mission had relocated to Manzini Government Hospital over a period of just six months and successfully implemented digital queuing, smart medication dispensing, and telemedicine systems.

In remarks during his visit, Minister Lin said that Manzini Government Hospital was being elevated to the status of smart medicine demonstration hospital. He said that this symbolized the start of a new era of Taiwan-Eswatini cooperation on digitalization, optimization, and smart medicine.

In addition to acclaiming upgrades to hardware, Minister Lin also emphasized the results of talent cultivation. Giving words of encouragement to a number of Eswatini physicians who had returned home after graduating from I-Shou University, Minister Lin said that their white coats represented their expertise and the hope of their nation. He said that he looked forward to seeing them become seeds of Taiwan-Eswatini friendship and employ their professionalism and dedication to refine Eswatini’s healthcare system.

Minister Matsebula and Dr. Candice Banda, a representative of the graduates of I-Shou University’s medical program, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Taiwan for its long-term support and contributions to public health and medicine in Eswatini.

Minister Lin also went on to tour the Taiwan-Eswatini Aquaculture Research and Production Centre, which was officially opened in 2025. Through large-scale fish fry cultivation and the use of growth optimization technology, the center has successfully assisted Eswatini in transitioning from traditional family-based aquaculture to a more commercially scaled industrial system, significantly improving the economic value of aquaculture produce.

In addition, Minister Lin visited a demonstration farm and orchard to observe the results of planting such high-value crops as guava, dragon fruit, and strawberry. These operations have successfully driven the transformation of Eswatini’s agricultural makeup and enabled local farmers to participate and compete in higher-profit markets.

Minister Lin stressed that a core feature of all these initiatives was a focus on sustainable advancements and the commercialization of Eswatini’s industries. Noting that such efforts pursued their objectives through a “Taiwan can help, Eswatini can lead” approach, Minister Lin reiterated that Taiwan would continue to reinforce Eswatini’s leadership in a range of fields. 

Despite the brevity and challenging circumstances of his two-day visit, Minister Lin was able to personally convey Taiwan’s good wishes to Eswatini. His visit further deepened the two nations’ friendship and put their vision for sustainable and prosperous development on an even firmer footing. Moreover, it showed that Taiwan would remain undeterred by any difficulties in its global interactions, and demonstrated Taiwan’s unwavering resolve and resilience in engaging with the world. (E)

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

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

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

Date:2026-04-22
Data Source:Department of West Asian and African Affairs

April 22, 2026  No.157  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly refutes the false claims regarding Taiwan made in a joint statement between China and Mozambique on constructing a China-Mozambique community with a shared future, which was issued by China’s Foreign Ministry on April 21. 

MOFA condemns China for once again taking advantage of an interaction with another country to try to undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty through absurd declarations, such as that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. 

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 of the Taiwan Strait. No statements that denigrate Taiwan’s sovereign status can change this reality.

MOFA once again strongly urges the international community to recognize China’s long-term use of economic coercion and incentives to influence other governments’ sovereign decisions. Beijing’s actions not only aim to suppress Taiwan but also constitute a grave challenge to democracy and the rule of law worldwide.

MOFA reiterates that Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation with all like-minded countries and defend the front line of democracy. No type of economic coercion or diplomatic intimidation will prevent the Republic of China (Taiwan) from upholding its existing position, actively integrating with the world, and demonstrating national resilience. (E)

MOFA strongly condemns Chinese government’s absurd remarks with regard to suppression of Taiwan’s sovereign status and diplomatic activities

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly condemns Chinese government’s absurd remarks with regard to suppression of Taiwan’s sovereign status and diplomatic activities

Date:2026-04-22
Data Source:Department of Policy Planning

April 22, 2026  
No. 156  
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly condemns and denounces China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Taiwan Affairs Office for separately issuing absurd remarks on April 22 denigrating Taiwan’s sovereign status in connection with the postponement of President Lai Ching-te’s visit to Eswatini, a diplomatic ally of Taiwan.
 
MOFA reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign, independent nation. Neither it nor the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is subordinate to the other. Taiwan has a legitimate right to engage in international affairs and contribute to the international community through associated activities. No nation has the right to obstruct or deny this, and no number of unilateral pronouncements can change the objective facts.
 
In the mid-1980s, Taiwan started a process of political liberalization and democratization, culminating in its first direct presidential election in 1996. Since then, representatives of the executive and legislative branches of the ROC (Taiwan) government have been elected by the people of Taiwan, making it the only legitimate authority to effectively govern and represent Taiwan externally. This also established the status quo of the ROC (Taiwan) and the PRC existing on an equal footing, with neither being subordinate to the other.
 
Beijing’s so-called “one China principle” is not, in fact, accepted by the world’s major nations. In reality, China’s deceitful assertion that its one-sided claim constitutes the consensus is an attempt to mislead international public opinion.
 
MOFA stresses that threats or coercion of any form will not alter Taiwan’s resolve to connect with the world, and that any malicious obstruction will not overturn Taiwan’s firm desire to engage internationally.
 
In the face of authoritarian China’s intimidation and contemptible behavior, which violates Taiwan’s sovereignty and undermines regional peace and stability and cross-strait relations, MOFA urges the international community to recognize the true nature of China’s hegemonic tactics and condemn them in unison. It also calls for continued support for democratic Taiwan’s international engagement so that Taiwan can contribute to the international community. (E) 

MOFA strongly refutes statements by Seychelles and Madagascar regarding withdrawal of overflight permits for President Lai’s aircraft

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

April 22, 2026  No.155  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly refutes statements made by the Foreign Ministries of Seychelles and Madagascar to justify their decision to withdraw overflight permits for the chartered plane of President Lai Ching-te, who was scheduled to travel to the Kingdom of Eswatini on April 22. 

Seychelles and Madagascar respectively stated that they did not recognize Taiwan’s sovereignty and held to the “one China principle.” The two countries thereby acquiesced to China’s distorted narrative, which challenges international norms and jeopardizes aviation safety. Their statements fully demonstrate that China was behind the incident. 

MOFA condemns China in the strongest possible terms for blatantly interfering in routine international civil aviation operations through political pressure and for politicizing and weaponizing flight information regions. 

President Lai Ching-te had been scheduled to lead a delegation to Eswatini, a diplomatic ally of Taiwan in Africa, at the invitation of King Mswati III to attend celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the king’s accession to the throne and his 58th birthday. However, the trip could not proceed as planned after Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar suddenly and without warning withdrew overflight permits for the president’s chartered plane. 

MOFA solemnly calls on the international community to pay due attention to China’s long-standing use of economic coercion to force other countries to reverse sovereign decisions. As well as undermining international peace and order, China is overtly interfering in the internal affairs of other nations. Its actions not only threaten Taiwan but also pose a major and far-reaching challenge to the global democratic order and the international rule of law.

MOFA reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign, independent nation. Neither it nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. No pronouncement attempting to undermine Taiwan’s sovereign status can alter international recognition of the objective status quo across the Taiwan Strait. 

As a sovereign state, the ROC (Taiwan) has the right to engage with the international community. This right cannot be denied or obstructed by any country. Taiwan thanks Eswatini and other diplomatic allies and like-minded nations for their assistance with mediation efforts in this matter.

Taiwan will continue to deepen collaboration with like-minded nations, uphold democratic values, and further expand its international participation in a pragmatic and steady manner. In the face of external pressure, the country remains unwavering in its commitment to bringing Taiwan to the world and the world to Taiwan. (E)

MOFA strongly refutes false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement by foreign ministers of China and Namibia

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly refutes false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement by foreign ministers of China and Namibia

Date:2026-04-18
Data Source:Department of West Asian and African Affairs

April 18, 2026  No. 151  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly refutes the false claims made in the joint press statement between the foreign ministers of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Namibia issued by the PRC Foreign Ministry on April 17, including that Taiwan was an inalienable part of China’s territory. 

MOFA condemns and protests the PRC’s continuing efforts to enlist other countries in spreading falsehoods in the international community aimed at denigrating Taiwan’s sovereignty. 

MOFA solemnly calls on the international community to recognize China’s long-term practice of incorporating wording in official statements with other countries to undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty and create the false impression of an international consensus on the matter. This sort of habitual political suppression not only disregards the international status quo but also highlights the autocratic nature of China’s approach in disrupting regional stability and peace.

Furthermore, MOFA reiterates that neither the Republic of China (Taiwan) nor the PRC is subordinate to the other, that the PRC has never governed Taiwan, and that no country can change internationally recognized facts through unilateral statements or distorted narratives. 

Taiwan’s sovereignty belongs to the people of Taiwan, and only they can decide Taiwan’s future. All countries should respect the reality of the international situation and reject China’s unilateral political manipulation. They should uphold their right to engage in regular interactions and exchanges with Taiwan. (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 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)