Taiwan is actively working to bolster its alliances in the Pacific ahead of the regional leaders’ meeting scheduled for 2026. This initiative comes on the heels of a recent visit by Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lin Chia-lung, who highlighted the significant progress in Taiwan’s partnership with Palau.
During the visit, Lin emphasized Taiwan’s dedication to strengthening economic and trade relations with Palau, one of its three known allies in the Pacific region. Palau is set to host the 55th Pacific Islands Forum, offering Taiwan a notable platform to exhibit its capabilities in various sectors, including agriculture, aviation, electronics, health, technology, and trade, free from interference by China.
The importance of this engagement is underscored by a recent incident at the 2025 Pacific Islands Forum in Honiara, where China exerted pressure on the Solomon Islands to omit Taiwan from discussions, ultimately leading to the exclusion of China, Taiwan, and several international organizations from the gathering. Despite Beijing’s efforts to establish a one-China policy among Pacific nations, Palau, along with the Republic of the Marshall Islands and Tuvalu, continues to recognize Taiwan.
Taiwan’s Foreign Affairs Ministry plans to showcase its expertise at the upcoming forum, aiming to demonstrate how it contributes to the prosperity of its Pacific allies through collaboration with like-minded nations. Lin led a delegation that included representatives from Taiwan’s electronics, green energy, medical, and tourism industries to Palau, as a part of the government’s Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project. During this visit, he met with Palau’s President Surangel Whipps Jr., Minister of State Gustav Aitaro, and various political and tribal leaders. Notably, Lin also observed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between a Taiwanese company and the Palauan state government of Melekeok for the construction of the nation’s first golf course.
This proactive approach by Taiwan not only strengthens its ties in the Pacific but also endeavors to foster a spirit of cooperation and mutual growth in the region, reinforcing the significance of international partnerships in the face of geopolitical challenges.
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