Overview:
Palau’s leadership in advancing regional cooperation and shared prosperity will take center stage as the country prepares to host the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting. In this opinion piece, Taiwan Ambassador to Palau Andy Kang-I Chen highlights Taiwan’s partnership with Pacific nations, support for sustainable development, and commitment to a peaceful, resilient Blue Pacific through practical cooperation and mutual respect.
OP-ED by: Amb. Andy Kang-I Chen
Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the Republic of Palau
This August, the Republic of Palau will proudly host the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM), once again demonstrating its leadership in bringing Pacific nations and partners together to address the region’s shared opportunities and challenges. Taiwan extends its warmest congratulations to the Government and people of Palau on hosting this important regional gathering.
As part of the Forum, Palau will present the Allies Prosperity Exhibition, a Palau-led initiative highlighting regional cooperation, sustainable development, and the shared vision of a resilient Blue Pacific. Taiwan is honored to support Palau’s initiative and participate in the exhibition by showcasing practical partnerships that have improved people’s lives across the Pacific. Under Palau’s leadership, the exhibition reflects how trusted partners can work together to achieve sustainable and inclusive development.
For decades, Taiwan has been a steadfast force for good in the Indo-Pacific and an unwavering development partner of Pacific island countries. Since being recognized by the Pacific Islands Forum as a Development Partner in 1992, Taiwan has continuously participated in Forum-related cooperation based on mutual respect, shared values, and the Pacific Way. Our partnership has always been guided by the needs identified by Pacific countries themselves, focusing on practical cooperation rather than political conditions.
Taiwan is also an active contributor to regional development. Working closely with Palau and other Pacific partners, Taiwan has delivered concrete results in healthcare, agriculture, education, renewable energy, digital transformation, climate resilience, disaster preparedness, fisheries, maritime cooperation, and human resource development. These projects demonstrate our commitment to delivering on our promises and improving the well-being of Pacific communities.
Taiwan strongly supports the Pacific Islands Forum and its institutions, including regional initiatives that advance the goals of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. We firmly believe that sustainable development, climate resilience, economic prosperity, and human security can only be achieved through genuine partnership and collective action. Taiwan will continue to work with Palau and other like-minded partners to strengthen regional resilience and promote a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Pacific.
Taiwan also deeply respects the Pacific Way—the region’s longstanding tradition of dialogue, consensus, mutual respect, and cooperation. We firmly believe that the Pacific Islands Forum should remain focused on addressing the priorities of Pacific peoples and advancing the common interests of the region. The Forum should never become a platform for geopolitical confrontation or external coercion.
Recent developments have reminded us why peace and stability remain fundamental to the future of the Blue Pacific. Taiwan joins the Republic of Palau in expressing serious concern over China’s recent ballistic missile test in the Pacific. Such actions undermine regional peace and stability, heighten tensions, and run counter to the Pacific region’s longstanding aspiration to remain a peaceful Blue Pacific. The Pacific Ocean should never become a testing ground for military intimidation. All parties should exercise restraint, respect international law, and resolve differences peacefully through dialogue.
Taiwan will continue to uphold the principles of democracy, respect, partnership, and sustainability. As a trusted development partner, we remain committed to supporting Palau’s leadership, strengthening cooperation with Pacific island countries, and contributing to a free, open, peaceful, resilient, and prosperous Blue Pacific for generations to come. (E)