Taiwan will participate in the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting later this year in Palau, a significant development following its exclusion from last year’s summit, according to a senior diplomat on Tuesday. Michael Lin, Director of the Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, announced that Taiwan’s representatives will attend the annual event, scheduled for August 30 to September 4, and may engage in various activities alongside the forum, similar to past involvements.
This year’s summit in Palau will emphasize enhancing good governance, development, and resilience within the region, aligning with Taiwan’s diplomatic goals, particularly with Palau, one of its 12 formal diplomatic allies. Lin expressed the intent to find “appropriate ways” to showcase the outcomes of decades of bilateral cooperation during the forum.
During a visit to Palau in December, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung committed to supporting Palau in establishing environmentally friendly transportation options for delegates attending the summit, with plans for the buses used during the event to serve public transport afterward.
Taiwan has been actively involved in the PIF since 1993, typically hosting discussions like the Taiwan/Republic of China-Forum Countries Dialogue on the sidelines. However, last year’s meeting was limited to the forum’s 18 member states, excluding partner countries, including Taiwan, citing a review of partnership arrangements. Reports indicated that this move may have been influenced by China’s growing presence in the region and efforts to diplomatically isolate Taiwan.
Currently, only three PIF members—Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu—maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
Additionally, Palau’s traditional voyaging canoe, Alingano Maisu, is scheduled to arrive in Taiwan next month. The canoe, a symbol of cultural heritage, will be welcomed by representatives from Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council and other agencies. Built in 2007, the double-hulled vessel is notable for its connection to celebrated navigator Pius Mau Piailug, who dedicated his life to traditional navigation methods.
The canoe is currently making a journey across the western Pacific using traditional non-instrument navigation techniques, expected to last about four months. It aims to foster cultural exchanges and community engagement, both in Taiwan, Japan, and Micronesia, underlining the importance of traditional navigation in promoting dialogue and preserving heritage.
This renewed engagement at the PIF marks a hopeful stride for Taiwan, as it reinforces its commitment to regional cooperation and cultural collaboration amidst ongoing geopolitical challenges.
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