The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Joseph Wu, was invited to participate in the Pacific Island Forum summit hosted by the diplomatic ally Palau. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) expressed grave concerns over this, indicating potential repercussions. Joseph Wu criticized Beijing for disrupting the summit’s atmosphere, emphasizing that no compromises should be made due to CCP’s bullying tactics.
On August 27, Joseph Wu led a delegation to visit Palau and attend related activities of the Pacific Islands Forum. He met with the President of the Republic of Palau, Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. Prior to his departure, Joseph Wu expressed his anticipation to deepen the Taiwan-Palau partnership, expand trade, and promote tourism between the two countries.
According to Nikkei Asia, Joseph Wu stated in a media interview that Taiwan has been actively supporting the Pacific region through the application of digital technology, healthcare, and smart agriculture. Last year, Taiwan pledged $3 million to the “Pacific Resilience Fund,” aimed at addressing the needs of the Pacific community in climate and disaster response.
Joseph Wu reiterated that Taiwan has consistently cooperated with the Pacific Islands Forum to support the development of the region. He emphasized that decisions should be made collectively based on consensus by the 18 member countries of the Pacific Islands Forum, without compromising due to CCP’s coercion.
He highlighted a situation from the previous year where a certain country’s insistence on its own political stance resulted in the exclusion of dialogue and development partners from attending the meeting. He believed this to be a significant loss for all countries in the Pacific region.
Regarding China’s behavior at international events, Joseph Wu remarked, “When attending a party, we respect the host’s arrangement. However, every time China attends a party, it considers itself the host and disrupts the entire atmosphere.” Taiwan will continue to encourage more tourists to visit Palau in response to China’s pressure.
Joseph Wu emphasized on Facebook, “Only through unity can we safeguard the security and prosperity of the Pacific.” He expressed his honor in leading the Taiwanese delegation at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) as a development partner, participating in this annual Pacific event and enjoying Palau’s elaborate traditional cultural performances.
The theme of this year’s forum, B.E.L.A.U., Unity, was highlighted by Joseph Wu. President Whipps also emphasized the importance of listening, finding common ground, and building consensus to address common challenges faced by the Pacific nations.
During his stay in Palau, Joseph Wu engaged in discussions with Prime Minister of Tuvalu, Feleti Teo, Governor of Guam, Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero, and friends from other Pacific partners and like-minded countries.
Taiwan, as part of the Pacific community, shares responsibility in maintaining security and prosperity in the region. Joseph Wu affirmed Taiwan’s continuous collaborations in various sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, energy, and industrial development with its Pacific partners.
Joseph Wu concluded by stating, “We believe that the stronger unity and cooperation in the Pacific, the better we can shape our future. Taiwan will continue to be a reliable and responsible partner, working hand in hand with our Pacific allies to safeguard the peace, security, and prosperity of our shared ocean.”
He mentioned the special invitation extended to representatives from Taiwan’s business sector to visit Palau, aiming to facilitate deeper understanding of local development needs and investment opportunities, fostering government and private sector collaboration to effectively link Taiwan’s industrial advantages with Palau’s development requirements.
Joseph Wu highlighted the increasing close ties between Taiwan and Palau in various aspects, from health to industry. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to leverage comprehensive diplomacy and the “Allied Nations Program” to collaborate with Palau in creating a healthier and more prosperous future together.