Taiwan Foreign Minister Arrives in Palau for Pacific Islands Forum

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Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung has led a delegation to Palau, one of Taiwan's diplomatic allies, ahead of the 2026 Pacific Islands Forum. The group will hold talks with forum member states on the sidelines of the event, while Lin will also meet with Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr. This marks Taiwan's return after it was excluded from the forum last year, along with China and the US, amid reported pressure from Beijing to keep Taiwan out.

Pacific Islands Forum: Taiwan’s Return

REPORTER:  
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung has arrived in Palau, one of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies, for the Pacific Islands Forum.

His Palauan counterpart, Gustavo Aitaro, greeted him at the airport. Taiwanese business representatives also joined the delegation. Beginning Sunday, the group will hold talks with forum member states on the sidelines of the event. Lin will also meet with Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr.

This marks Taiwan’s return to the summit after it was excluded from last year’s forum in the Solomon Islands, when organizers barred all non-member states amid reported pressure from Beijing to keep Taiwan out.

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Taiwan at Pacific Islands Forum

REPORTER:  
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung has arrived in Taiwan’s physically closest ally country, Palau, for the Pacific Islands Forum.

His Palauan counterpart, Gustavo Aitaro, greeted him at the airport. Taiwanese business representatives also joined the delegation. Beginning Sunday, the group will hold talks with PIF member states on the sidelines of the forum. Lin will also meet with Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr. This marks Taiwan’s return to the gathering since Beijing reportedly pressured last year’s forum to exclude Taiwan, resulting in the removal of all non-member states.

Diplomacy