MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to cancellation of Taiwanese art exhibit in Kazakhstan due to China’s unreasonable interference

September 21, 2025  

An exhibition of Taiwanese artists entitled Shifting Grounds: Dissonance, Memory, and Landscape as a Site of Becoming was to have been held at the Kazakh Central State Museum from September 12 through October 1. The exhibit, curated by Wang Chun-chi, was due to feature works by eight Taiwanese artists, including Chen Yung-hsien, and bear the note Taiwan Contemporary Art Exhibition. However, the exhibition was suddenly cancelled and the contract terminated due to unreasonable interference from China, with the museum citing as its reason a monthlong renovation project starting September 11. 

Taiwan’s representative office in Russia was informed of this change on September 10 and immediately attempted to negotiate with the museum to have renovations postponed. However, it was told that the exhibit was a temporary addition that had caused a scheduling conflict. The museum apologized for the change.

That a museum would suddenly engage in renovations, cancel an exhibit, and terminate a contract after the artists concerned had already arrived in Kazakhstan is clearly incoherent. There are clear signs of China’s interference. Artistic and cultural exchanges are not political. MOFA strongly condemns China’s crude interference in cultural activities and expresses great regret at the museum’s erroneous decision to succumb to China’s intimidation.

China continues to suppress Taiwan everywhere in the international sphere. MOFA will continue to defend Taiwan’s international space and proactively strengthen cooperation with nations of the world across all areas to increase global support and understanding for Taiwan.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to US State Department mention of Taiwan-US cooperation in Marshall Islands

September 21, 2025

On September 20, the US Department of State released a fact sheet on the US partnership with the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The document details substantive Taiwan-US cooperation in the Marshall Islands. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes continued Taiwan-US cooperation in the Pacific in support of peace, stability, and prosperity in Taiwan’s Pacific allies and the Indo-Pacific region.
 
MOFA will continue to implement Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung’s Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project and work with allies across a wide range of areas. While utilizing a lattice-like strategic framework to solidify cooperation in the Pacific with like-minded nations, Taiwan is also working through flagship programs to find ways of working with them to jointly advance regional prosperity and resilience and increase the effectiveness of Taiwan’s foreign assistance.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to violation of Estonian airspace by Russian fighter aircraft and Estonian request for NATO Article 4 consultations

September 20, 2025 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) expresses the utmost concern over the incursion into Estonian airspace by Russian fighter aircraft on September 19. As a democratic partner of the international community, Taiwan firmly supports the efforts of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and its European partners to uphold territorial integrity and regional security. 
 
Any actions that disrupt the international order or challenge regional peace are unacceptable. Taiwan stands with its democratic partners to defend the democratic umbrella and uphold the international order based on rules and norms against attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by the use of force or coercion.
 
MOFA will continue to closely follow related developments and collaborate with like-minded countries to safeguard regional and global peace and stability.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to US Department of State publicly commending Taiwan for contributions to Central Pacific Cable

September 17, 2025 

Taiwan, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and other like-minded countries have provided assistance with the construction of the Central Pacific Cable to Tuvalu, which has significantly enhanced Tuvalu’s digital resilience and communications network efficiency. This initiative has previously been publicly recognized by Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong. 
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) expresses appreciation to the United States for also citing this case as a demonstration of what like-minded nations are accomplishing in the region as well as of their determination to deepen relations with Pacific island partners. 
 
MOFA looks forward to continuing to work with the United States and other key partners in the region to further peace, stability, and prosperity in Taiwan’s Pacific allies and across the Indo-Pacific.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA thanks PIF leaders for reaffirming Taiwan’s participation status

September 13, 2025 

This year’s Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) was held in Solomon Islands from September 8 to 12. The forum communiqué issued following the meeting reiterated the decision from the 1992 communiqué regarding Taiwan’s participation in the PIF, thus reaffirming consensus among leaders of PIF member states in support of Taiwan’s unchanged participation status in the PIF. 
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) welcomes and appreciates this development. It thanks leaders of PIF member states for expressing support and consensus on Taiwan’s participation in PIF affairs as a development partner.
 
Since 1993, Taiwan has taken part in the PIF under the name Taiwan / Republic of China and continued to collaborate and engage with PIF member states as a development partner. Going forward, Taiwan will continue to uphold the spirit of diversity and inclusiveness embodied in the Pacific Way and contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Pacific region in accordance with the decisions contained in the 1992 and 2025 forum communiqués.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA sincerely thanks US Senator Cruz for publicly supporting Taiwan’s participation in ICAO

Date：2025-09-18
Data Source：Department of International Organizations

September 18, 2025 
No. 346 

Ted Cruz (R-TX), Chairman of the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, recently sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy. In it, he asserted that the United States should lead the world in urging the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to “allow Taiwan to participate with the full privileges of a Member State.” The letter was also forwarded to ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung expresses sincere appreciation to Senator Cruz for continuing to steadfastly support Taiwan’s international participation.
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) notes that the Taipei Flight Information Region, which is under Taiwan’s jurisdiction, is an important air transport hub in the Indo-Pacific that handles over one million flights and ensures the safety of tens of millions of passengers each year. According to Airports Council International’s 2024 rankings of the world’s busiest airports, published in July, Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport placed 13th for international passenger volume and 10th for air cargo volume out of more than 2,800 airports in over 185 countries. Given Taiwan’s critical position in global air transport, it is essential that Taiwan participate in ICAO meetings, mechanisms, and activities, as well as being granted access to ICAO databases.
 
However, due to obstruction by China, ICAO continues to deny Taiwan participation, preventing Taiwan from obtaining the most up-to-date civil aviation information in a timely manner and posing risks to global aviation safety. Furthermore, China, disregarding relevant regulations and refusing to hold prior consultations with Taiwan, unilaterally announced changes to flight route M503 and activated routes W121, W122, and W123. ICAO has failed to propose appropriate responses, seriously impacting aviation safety, peace, and stability in the region. With regard to this, MOFA expresses strong dissatisfaction.
 
MOFA emphasizes that global civil aviation today faces numerous challenges and that ICAO should not leave anyone out. Only through the joint participation of all stakeholders, including Taiwan, can the world properly respond to these issues and sooner realize ICAO’s objectives of safer skies and a more sustainable future. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA thanks foreign ministers of Malaysia and Australia for reaffirming support of cross-strait peace and stability

Date：2025-09-15
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

September 15, 2025 
No. 339 

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan cochaired the 7th Malaysia-Australia Annual Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Melbourne, Australia, on September 12. In a joint statement issued after the meeting, the two sides reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and declared they had a stake in conflict prevention. The two sides stressed the need for open communication, reassurance, and transparency. MOFA sincerely welcomes and affirms the statement.
 
The foreign ministers’ meeting builds on the consensus reached at the 2024 2nd Australia-Malaysia Annual Leaders’ Meeting between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, with senior officials from the two countries issuing a joint statement expressing support for cross-strait peace and stability for the second consecutive year. MOFA thanks its international partners for continuing to pay attention to developments concerning cross-strait and regional peace and for taking concrete actions to support the rules-based international order. Taiwan’s government will continue to implement integrated diplomacy and collaborate with like-minded nations to maintain democracy, peace, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. (E) 

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

September 13, 2025  
NO. 335  

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung led a delegation to the Czech Republic from September 11 to 13. The delegation on September 11 attended the opening ceremony for 100 Treasures, 100 Stories, a special exhibition of Taiwan’s National Palace Museum (NPM) at the National Museum of the Czech Republic. The exhibition is a highlight of the Taiwan Culture in Europe 2025 initiative and demonstrates the close ties between Taiwan and Europe in terms of cultural values.
 
At the opening event, Minister Lin was joined by Minister of Culture Li Yuan, Director of the NPM Hsiao Tsung-huang, Vice President of the Legislative Yuan Johnny Chiang, and Legislators Yang Chiung-ying, Chen Hsiu-pao, and Lin Yi-chun, as well as friends from the Czech Republic and across Europe, including Czech Senate President Miloš Vystrčil and Chamber of Deputies Speaker Markéta Pekarová Adamová. 
 
The attendees enjoyed a performance by the National Chinese Orchestra Taiwan (NCO), which was arranged with assistance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). At the special exhibition, they admired such world-renowned NPM treasures as the Jadeite Cabbage sculpture and the Along the River During the Qingming Festival painting. During the reception, the attendees had the opportunity to interact with one another.
 
To ensure the safety of the NPM cultural relics on display, MOFA and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Prague engaged in negotiations with Czech officials for over a year, leading to the Czech Republic amending its law protecting national heritage in April 2024. This achievement underscored the importance that the two countries attach to cultural exchanges.
 
In addition, Minister Lin watched a performance of the NCO’s musical Formosa Roadside Wedding Banquet at the Czech Museum of Music on September 12. The performance, which integrated traditional Taiwanese folk music and opera, fully showcased Taiwanese culinary culture and received enthusiastic applause and wide acclaim from the audience.
 
Since assuming office, Minister Lin has leveraged integrated diplomacy to strengthen links between Taiwan and Europe in fields ranging from technology to culture. The Taiwan Culture in Europe 2025 initiative has sought to underscore the core values of freedom, openness, inclusiveness, and diversity shared by Taiwan and Europe and connect the democratic camp through culture.
 
MOFA will continue to work with the Ministry of Culture, the NPM, and other relevant agencies to deepen Taiwan’s exchanges with the Czech Republic and the rest of Europe through cultural activities, thereby enhancing bilateral relations and linkages through common values. (E)

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today announced that the Chief Executive has appointed Bernard Chan to succeed Henry Tang as West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA) Board Chairman, as well as Jat Sew-tong and Eliza Chan as Vice-Chairman and a new member of the board, for two years starting October 1.

Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law said that Bernard Chan had been a board member for a number of years before serving as Vice-Chairman, and is well acquainted with the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) project.

She highlighted that Mr Chan’s rich experience in administrative management and public services, as well as his extensive business network, will enable him to lead the WKCDA in developing the WKCD into a cultural tourism landmark earning worldwide acclaim, elevating the stature of Hong Kong on the international cultural landscape stage.

Miss Law emphasised that Jat Sew-tong has been actively providing valuable insights and contributions to various aspects of the WKCDA’s work since joining the board in 2022. In addition to stressing that she believes Mr Jat could drive the continuous development of the WKCD, she welcomed Eliza Chan to join and add new momentum to the board.

Moreover, Miss Law expressed her gratitude to Mr Tang for his tremendous contributions to the development of the WKCD over the years.

“Under his adept leadership, the WKCD has achieved many important milestones. During his tenure, various world-class arts and cultural facilities in the WKCD have been completed and commissioned, including the Xiqu Centre, Freespace, M+ and the Hong Kong Palace Museum.

“The WKCDA has also successfully brought exhibitions and stage productions to the Mainland and overseas, showcasing and enhancing Hong Kong’s cultural soft power and consolidating its position as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchanges,” she added.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region