MOFA Condemns China’s Attempt to Exclude Taiwan from PIF
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Taiwan expressed deep regret on Tuesday over reports that China and the Solomon Islands are allegedly working together to exclude Taiwan from the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). This development follows a recent report by an Australian newspaper, which suggested that the Solomon Islands intends to propose a motion at this year’s PIF meeting in Tonga to revoke Taiwan’s “development partner” status.
The status of Taiwan as a “development partner” in the PIF was first established in a communique published in 1992 and has been recognized in subsequent communiques in 1999 and 2000. Taiwan has been an active participant in the PIF for over two decades, contributing financial aid and scholarship programs to the region. MOFA emphasized that Taiwan’s engagement in the PIF has always been guided by the principles of diversity and inclusion, seeking to foster positive relationships with Pacific island nations.
China’s alleged involvement in the attempts to exclude Taiwan from the PIF has raised concerns about the motives behind such actions. According to an anonymous source cited in the report, the Chinese government has allegedly instructed the Solomon Islands to block Taiwan’s participation in the 2025 PIF summit, which is scheduled to take place in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands.
In response to these developments, MOFA reiterated Taiwan’s commitment to the PIF and its longstanding contributions to the region. The ministry expressed regret that a particular country, driven by self-interest, is attempting to disrupt the harmony and cooperation that have characterized Taiwan’s engagement in the Pacific region. Despite these challenges, MOFA extended its gratitude to Taiwan’s remaining diplomatic allies and supportive non-member countries who continue to participate in PIF activities.
Taiwan has held “development partner” status in the PIF and has been an active participant in the group’s annual summit since 1993. In addition to Taiwan, other non-member countries such as China, the United States, Japan, Canada, and the European Union also engage in the annual forum and other PIF events as “dialogue partners.” This inclusive approach has allowed for diverse perspectives and collaborations to flourish within the PIF.
Last Thursday, MOFA strongly condemned China’s use of economic coercion and political manipulation to influence international business activities. The ministry called on the global community to recognize China’s pervasive use of cognitive warfare tactics and urged for a united international effort to resist China’s coercive practices. MOFA highlighted the authoritarian ambitions of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and emphasized the need to counteract China’s efforts to undermine the rules-based international order and disrupt standard commercial operations.
In the face of these challenges, Taiwan remains committed to upholding its values of democracy, human rights, and international cooperation. MOFA reiterated its dedication to fostering positive relationships with Pacific island nations and promoting sustainable development in the region. As Taiwan continues to face external pressures, the ministry emphasized the importance of unity among like-minded countries to defend against coercive tactics and protect the shared values of freedom and democracy.
Subheadings
Taiwan’s Longstanding Engagement in the PIF China’s Coercive Tactics and Manipulation Taiwan’s Commitment to International Cooperation
Taiwan’s Commitment to International Cooperation
Taiwan’s Longstanding Engagement in the PIF
Taiwan has been an active participant in the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) for over two decades, contributing financial aid and scholarship programs to support the development of the region. Since joining the PIF in 1993 as a “development partner,” Taiwan has played a significant role in promoting cooperation and understanding among Pacific island nations. The status of Taiwan as a development partner was first established in a communique published in 1992 and has been reaffirmed in subsequent communiques in 1999 and 2000.
Over the years, Taiwan has made substantial contributions to the PIF, including financial assistance for infrastructure projects, educational exchanges, and capacity-building programs. These initiatives have helped to strengthen the ties between Taiwan and Pacific island nations, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration in various areas of development. Taiwan’s engagement in the PIF has always been guided by the principles of diversity and inclusion, seeking to promote positive relationships and sustainable development in the region.
Despite facing challenges and external pressures, Taiwan remains committed to upholding its values of democracy, human rights, and international cooperation. MOFA has reiterated Taiwan’s dedication to fostering positive relationships with Pacific island nations and promoting sustainable development in the region. As Taiwan continues to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics, the ministry emphasized the importance of unity among like-minded countries to defend against coercive tactics and protect the shared values of freedom and democracy.
China’s Coercive Tactics and Manipulation
The recent reports of China’s alleged attempts to exclude Taiwan from the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) have raised concerns about Beijing’s coercive tactics and political manipulation in the region. According to an anonymous source cited in a recent report, the Chinese government has allegedly instructed the Solomon Islands to block Taiwan’s participation in the 2025 PIF summit, which is set to take place in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands.
These actions by China underscore the growing influence and assertiveness of Beijing in the Pacific region, as it seeks to expand its political and economic presence at the expense of Taiwan’s participation in international forums. China’s use of economic coercion and political manipulation to advance its strategic interests has been a cause for concern among the global community, prompting calls for greater vigilance and collective action to counteract these efforts.
MOFA has strongly condemned China’s use of coercive tactics and manipulation to influence international business activities, calling on the global community to recognize the pervasive use of cognitive warfare tactics by Beijing. The ministry has urged for a united international effort to resist China’s coercive practices, address the authoritarian ambitions of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and counteract its ongoing efforts to undermine the rules-based international order and disrupt standard commercial operations.
Taiwan’s Commitment to International Cooperation
In the face of external pressures and challenges, Taiwan remains steadfast in its commitment to international cooperation and upholding shared values of democracy, freedom, and human rights. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has reiterated Taiwan’s dedication to fostering positive relationships with Pacific island nations and promoting sustainable development in the region.
As Taiwan continues to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics and face attempts to undermine its participation in international forums like the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), the ministry emphasized the importance of unity among like-minded countries to defend against coercive tactics and protect the shared values of freedom and democracy. Despite the obstacles, Taiwan will continue to engage constructively with the international community, seeking to contribute positively to global efforts for peace, stability, and prosperity.
