Diplomacy

Taiwan Urges Partners Not To Give In to China Bullying at Pacific Islands Forum

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By Joseph Wu/Tiffany Wong

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Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung has urged Pacific countries not to give in to China's bullying at a press conference on the sidelines of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau. Lin addressed challenges to Taiwan's participation, saying China's intransigence is what turns Taiwan's role into an issue at the forum each year. He said as an island nation, Taiwan wants to support Pacific countries, urging partners to focus on what they can contribute to the region rather than the politics Beijing brings to the forum.

Taiwan Defends Its Role at the Pacific Islands Forum

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REPORTER:  
“We should not make compromises because of China’s bullying.” That’s the message Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung is bringing to Pacific leaders as he defends Taiwan’s participation at this year’s Pacific Islands Forum amid Chinese pressure.

REPORTER:  
Lin is leading a delegation of over 40 representatives from business groups, and tech, agriculture and construction industries.

His trip marks Taiwan’s high-level return to the Pacific Islands Forum. Last year's gathering in the Solomon Islands saw all non-member states, including the US and China, excluded, reportedly due to Beijing’s efforts to push Taiwan out.

Lin’s presence has drawn strong objections from China’s representative, who has warned of consequences over Taiwan’s participation and lodged a complaint during a closed session on Tuesday afternoon.

But the foreign minister says Taiwan has been a significant contributor to the bloc and that only its members can decide Taiwan’s status.

Lin Chia-lung (TAIWAN FOREIGN MINISTER):  
Taiwan supports the PIF in many concrete ways.
Over the past 33 years
Taiwan has donated US$1 million each year.
We have never stopped participating in the PIF
or supporting development across the Pacific.
So I don’t think we should make compromises
because of China’s recent bullying.
Only the PIF’s 18 member states
can make decisions collectively.

REPORTER:  
Taiwan has participated in the Pacific Islands Forum since 1993 as a development partner, a limited role that allows it to hold events on the sidelines.

Its participation has often drawn protests from China. But with this year’s forum taking place in Palau, one of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies, Taipei has had more room to engage with regional leaders and delegates.

Asked by TaiwanPlus how Taiwan can secure its participation in next year’s forum in New Zealand, which does not have diplomatic relations with Taiwan, Lin says he is confident that Taiwan’s participation will continue as usual.

Lin Chia-lung (TAIWAN FOREIGN MINISTER):  
I think last year was highly unusual.
Because of the insistence of one country
all dialogue and development partners
were unable to attend.
I think this was a huge loss for all Pacific countries.
Everyone participating should ask themselves one question:
What can we contribute to the PIF as a region
rather than bringing individual political agendas
into the forum.

REPORTER:  
The foreign minister says Taiwan is showcasing its projects in Palau during the forum, hoping to demonstrate the country’s contribution to the region and its ability to work with non-allied partners.

REPORTER:  
As Taiwan’s delegation continues its participation in this year’s forum, it is looking to deepen ties across the Pacific and maintain its presence in a region where China’s influence continues to grow.