TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan is ramping up its diplomatic presence in the Pacific, framing itself as a vital partner to island nations even as China’s influence complicates regional cooperation. The island’s Foreign Minister, Lin Chia-Lung, spoke Thursday to an international press corps about Taiwan’s approach to diplomacy, its response to the Solomon Islands’ recent decision to exclude dialogue partners from the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, and plans for next year’s forum in Palau.
Lin characterized the Solomon Islands’ move, widely seen as influenced by Beijing, as a setback for regional collaboration. “We believe this is a loss to the Pacific Islands, because the Pacific way is about inclusion and about-facing challenges together,” Lin said. Taiwan has long emphasized engagement with Pacific nations through “value-based diplomacy,” aiming to strengthen democratic partnerships while addressing pressing regional issues like climate change and economic development.
Despite the exclusion, Lin stressed that Taiwan will continue its work with Pacific partners, exploring alternative channels to support island nations’ resilience. Taiwan currently maintains diplomatic relations with Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu, and operates offices in several other Pacific countries. “We look forward to next year’s meeting, hosted by Palau, where we will be able to showcase the results of integrated diplomacy and our Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Projects,” Lin said.
At the same time, Lin firmly rejected China’s longstanding claims that Taiwan is part of its territory, describing Beijing’s repeated assertions as “fiction” and likening them to “the emperor’s new clothes.” He said Taiwan has never been governed by the People’s Republic of China and possesses all elements of statehood, including a population, territory, and government.
Lin also challenged Beijing’s interpretation of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 of 1971, which recognized the People’s Republic of China as the UN representative for China. “The resolution does not mention Taiwan, and it does not restrict Taiwan from participating in international organizations or forming relations with other governments,” he said. He cited legislative resolutions and official statements from countries including the United States, Australia, and members of the European Union that reject China’s claims.
Taiwan has emphasized its strategic role in global economic and technological networks, promoting partnerships in semiconductors, clean energy, healthcare, and supply chain resilience. Lin framed Taiwan as an indispensable partner for democracies in the Indo-Pacific, saying the island’s “three-chain strategy”—democratic, first island chain, and trusted supply chains—positions it as a key contributor to regional stability.
Taiwan’s diplomats have increasingly highlighted the practical benefits of engagement. Through programs promoting smart agriculture, sustainable tourism, and digital governance, Lin said, Taiwan seeks to bolster prosperity among its allies and like-minded partners. “By joining forces, we can form a brighter future filled with mutual benefits and shared prosperity,” Lin said.
The remarks come amid a broader intensification of U.S.-China rivalry in the Indo-Pacific, where Taiwan’s role has become both a strategic asset and a flashpoint. For Taiwan, the challenge is to assert its international relevance while navigating Beijing’s efforts to limit its global participation.
As Taiwan prepares for next year’s Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, Lin’s message underscores both the opportunities and the diplomatic balancing act the island faces: projecting influence and advancing cooperation, while countering pressures from a rising China.