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Taiwan plans record budget boost for foreign affairs in 2025
Taiwan plans to boost its classified budget by NT$634.669 million in 2025, a six-year high, to strengthen diplomatic ties. Lawmakers urge transparency amid concerns.
2024/11/18 10:15
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Taiwan likely faces hurdles in future Pacific Islands Forum
Discover how Taiwan faces challenges in the Pacific Islands Forum over the next two years, despite its long-standing commitment and support from allies. Learn about the diplomatic and security concerns raised by the Solomon Islands’ ties with China.
2024/09/03 16:14
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Taiwan warns of China’s intensified diplomatic pressure
Discover how China’s recent military exercises and diplomatic pressures aim to isolate Taiwan internationally, and learn about Taiwan’s strategy to counter these challenges by promoting value-based diplomacy for stronger global ties.
2024/05/28 13:30
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Pompeos stands firm against China in inauguration attendance
Discover how former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s upcoming visit to Taiwan’s presidential inauguration challenges China and underscores Taiwan’s global strategic role. Learn about the international support for Taiwan, including a bipartisan Australian delegation, and the diplomatic nuances ahead of the May 20 event.
2024/05/17 13:00
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Taiwan to welcome 50 foreign delegations for inauguration
Discover insights on Taiwan’s diplomatic engagement as Foreign Minister Joseph Wu announces that around 50 foreign delegations will attend President-elect Lai Ching-te’s inauguration on May 20, highlighting Taiwan’s democratic values and international relations.
2024/05/16 14:48
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Joseph Wu: 6 allies back Taiwan’s bid for WHA participation
Discover the latest on Taiwan’s bid for observer status at the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva, highlighting diplomatic efforts and international support.
2024/05/15 17:58
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Foreign Minister Joseph Wu assures diplomatic ties stable
Discover how China’s long-term infiltration efforts are impacting Taiwan’s diplomatic ties, as revealed by Foreign Minister Joseph Wu. Learn about the challenges and Taiwan’s strategy to strengthen international relations.
2024/05/09 16:49
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Joseph Wu: From top diplomat to national security chief
Joseph Wu Jaushieh, with over six years as Taiwan’s foreign minister, is set to become the National Security Council’s secretary-general. Known for his "unconventional" approach and handling of crises like the China-US trade war and COVID-19, Wu significantly enhanced Taiwan-US relations and worked on expanding ties with Central and Eastern Europe. Despite losing eight diplomatic allies under China’s pressure, his extensive international experience is seen as a valuable asset in his new role.
2024/04/25 17:34
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MOFA thanks global allies for helping Taiwanese leave Haiti
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses gratitude to friendly nations for evacuating Taiwanese citizens from Haiti amidst escalating gang violence. Five individuals have been safely evacuated to the Dominican Republic, coordinated by Ambassador Ku Wen-jiann. The Embassy of Taiwan in Haiti remains operational, with 18 individuals still in the country. MOFA pledges to monitor the situation and take diplomatic actions to ensure the safety of Taiwanese citizens.
2024/03/27 12:08
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US reinforces Taiwan’s ally ties amid China’s expansion
U.S. Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel J. Kritenbrink highlights cooperation between the U.S. and Taiwan, alongside allies Tuvalu, Palau, and the Marshall Islands, to counter China’s expansion. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee discusses U.S. strategies for the Pacific islands, focusing on American and Chinese influence in the region, with references to Taiwan’s diplomatic status and China’s economic incentives to influence Nauru. The U.S. warns Nauru and Taiwan’s allies against China’s unfulfilled promises, with efforts like the Taiwan International Solidarity Act to counter China’s manipulation of Taiwan’s international role.
2024/03/15 16:54
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U.S. delegation to attend Taiwan presidential inauguration
The U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair, Michael McCaul, plans to lead a delegation to Taiwan for President-elect Lai Ching-te’s inauguration on May 20. The event, expected to be on a scale similar to President Tsai Ing-wen’s 2016 inauguration, will see representatives from Taiwan’s diplomatic allies, including the United States and Japan, in attendance. Plans for the ceremony are still being finalized, according to Presidential Office spokesperson Olivia Lin.
2024/03/08 11:19
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Global Times warns Lai of Taiwan’s diplomatic isolation
Taipei (TVBS News) reports that Taiwan’s diplomatic allies are gradually decreasing, as stated by a Chinese official media outlet. Nauru recently announced its decision to sever ties with the Republic of China and Taiwan, bringing the number of diplomatic allies down to 12. This marks the tenth nation to break ties during President Tsai Ing-wen’s term. The Global Times report highlights the more restrained approach of Taiwan’s President-elect Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim towards cross-strait policies, urging them to fully understand the reality and trend of the Taiwan Strait and completely abandon any path towards Taiwan independence. Lai, elected as a "double minority," faces the challenge that 60 percent of the Taiwanese population does not recognize the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). In response to Taiwan’s elections, the U.S. clarified its stance by stating that they do not support Taiwan’s independence, aiming to dissuade Lai from becoming a disruptive force like former President Chen Shui-bian, which could affect the U.S.’s strategic plans.
2024/01/24 12:38
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Nauru notified Australia before cutting ties with Taiwan
The Australian government was informed by Nauru before the Republic of Nauru announced its decision to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan. However, the decision was not made after consulting with the Australian government. Australia respects Nauru’s sovereign decision. Taiwan accused China of enticing Nauru with financial incentives to sever ties, but China did not comment on the accusations. Nauru’s announcement came right after Taiwan’s presidential election, making it the 10th nation to break off relations during President Tsai Ing-wen’s tenure, leaving Taiwan with 12 diplomatic allies.
2024/01/16 15:50
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MAC slams Beijing for ’dollar diplomacy’ to sway Nauru
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) strongly condemns Beijing’s attempt to lure the Republic of Nauru into resuming diplomatic relations, accusing China of disrupting international order through "dollar diplomacy." The MAC criticizes China’s actions as an attempt to suppress Taiwan’s international status and sovereignty, despite its successful presidential election. Beijing’s attempts to snatch away Taiwan’s diplomatic allies will not earn it respect from the international community but will instead highlight Taiwan’s democratic achievements and contributions. The MAC calls on Beijing to stop this zero-sum thinking and emphasizes that the ROC government will continue to strengthen Taiwan’s resilience, unite society, and safeguard its international status and rights.
2024/01/16 12:29
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Financial strains lead Nauru to sever ties with Taiwan
Taiwan expresses strong regret and denounces the Republic of Nauru’s decision to sever diplomatic relations and establish ties with China as misguided and not beneficial for its people or regional stability. The Taiwanese Presidential Office highlights that Beijing’s diplomatic suppression is seen as retaliation against democratic values and a challenge to international stability. This move by Nauru reduces Taiwan’s diplomatic allies to twelve, marking the loss of its tenth ally since Tsai Ing-wen became president in 2016. Financial shortfalls resulting from the closure of Australia’s Nauru Regional Processing Center and other factors, such as Nauru’s request for economic aid and the closure of the Nauru branch of the Australian Bendigo Bank, have contributed to the strained Taiwan-Nauru relations.
2024/01/16 11:27
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Diplomatic shift in South Pacific as Nauru cuts off Taiwan
Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kwang confirms a major diplomatic setback as Nauru severs ties, reducing Taiwan’s global allies to 12. The unexpected move, termed an ’ambush’, marks a significant shift in the South Pacific’s geopolitical landscape and raises questions about future collaborations.
2024/01/15 15:23
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Nauru cuts diplomatic ties with Taiwan, allies dwindle to 12
Taiwan’s diplomatic ties with Nauru, its South Pacific ally, have been severed, reducing Taiwan’s diplomatic partners to 12. Taiwan and Nauru first established diplomatic relationships on May 4, 1980, with a brief interruption from 2002 to 2005 when Nauru switched allegiance to Beijing. Efforts by the then-Taiwanese Foreign Minister Mark Chen and Nauruan President Ludwig Scotty revived the ties. The current Nauruan president, David Adeang, received congratulations from the Taiwanese ambassador stationed in Nauru. Taiwan and Nauru have collaborated in various areas, including infrastructure construction, public health, clean energy, education, climate change, information technology, agriculture and fishing, and naval patrol. Taiwan’s remaining diplomatic allies include the Marshall Islands, Palau, Tuvalu, Eswatini, the Holy See, Belize, Guatemala, Haiti, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent.
2024/01/15 14:12
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Lai Ching-te vows to align Taiwan with democracies
The story is about Lai Ching-te, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate, declaring that Taiwan is aligning with global democratic allies and will not follow the old path of the Kuomintang (KMT). Lai made this statement during a presidential candidate debate when questioned about Taiwan’s ability to remain neutral amid U.S.-China competition. He emphasized President Tsai’s diplomatic strategy and his own role in garnering international support for Taiwan. Lai also responded to criticism from KMT’s presidential candidate, Hou Yu-ih, regarding his assistance during the pandemic. Lai argued that Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je lacks real achievements compared to President Tsai’s performance.
2023/12/30 19:02
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MOFA counters Ko’s remarks on Taiwan’s diplomatic allies
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has expressed concern over comments made by Ko Wen-je, Taiwan People’s Party presidential candidate, stating that they could potentially harm Taiwan’s diplomatic relationships and lead to misunderstandings. MOFA spokesperson Liu Yung-chien emphasized that there is no conflict between solidifying relations with allied countries and developing substantial relationships with non-allied nations. The foreign ministry’s approach is to contribute to both areas simultaneously, without prioritizing based on alliance status. Liu highlighted the vital support received from allies over the years, which has helped Taiwan participate in international organizations and advance its causes. He expressed gratitude for the moral courage and vocal support shown by these allies, and stated that any possible misunderstanding sparked by Ko’s remarks is not something the people of Taiwan wish to see. In a podcast interview, Ko remarked that the number of diplomatic allies had been misperceived, suggesting that Taiwan would still fare well even if the number went down to zero. Ko emphasized the importance of substantial relationships, citing Taiwan’s positive relationships with Japan and the U.S., despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties.
2023/12/28 17:15
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KMT VP Jaw vows to expand Taiwan’s diplomacy
KMT vice-presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong pledges to expand Taiwan’s diplomatic relations if the KMT wins the upcoming elections. He criticizes the ruling DPP for losing nine diplomatic allies during their eight-year tenure. Jaw’s remarks were made during a Constitution Day event organized by the KMT’s Department of International Affairs, attended by KMT Chairman Eric Chu and KMT Vice Chairman Andrew Hsia. Chu defends Hsia, stating that he is a valuable asset to the party and urges media outlets to avoid spreading misinformation. Hsia expresses regret that young people overlook the significance of Dec. 25 as Constitution Day in Taiwan and promises to restore the value of the Republic of China if the KMT wins the elections next year.
2023/12/26 10:11
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Chao blasts DPP for ’chaos’ in Taiwan’s governance
KMT vice presidential candidate Chao Shao-kang criticizes the DPP’s absolute control of Taiwan’s governance, blaming it for causing chaos in the nation. Chao highlights the DPP’s warnings that a KMT majority would undermine checks and balances, leaving Taiwan "hollowed out". He argues that the DPP’s eight years in power have resulted in a financial deficit, increased cross-strait tensions, and the loss of nine diplomatic allies. Chao also points to a 19-month decline in export markets, exacerbating wealth inequality and housing issues. He attributes these outcomes to the DPP’s dominance from the presidency to the legislature, arguing that local governments focus on infrastructure projects unrelated to Taiwan’s political influence.
2023/12/11 20:22
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Taiwan thanks allies for support at COP28 side event
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses gratitude to ministers from five diplomatic allies for advocating for Taiwan at COP28. Leaders from Paraguay, Palau, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Tuvalu, and Eswatini voiced support for Taiwan at the World Climate Summit, marking another step forward for Taiwan’s international backing. Haiti’s Minister of Environment acknowledged Taiwan’s dedication to addressing climate change, while the Marshall Islands’ Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade affirmed Taiwan’s deserving of observer status in such forums. Guatemala’s Minister of Environment and Natural Resources showcased Taiwan’s contributions to climate change efforts, and Nauru’s Deputy Minister of Climate Change & National Resilience appreciated Taiwan’s support for the Just Transition fund in the Pacific. Taiwan emphasizes its eagerness to work with allies and urges the global community to support its meaningful participation in the UNFCCC.
2023/12/11 20:19
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Hou Yu-ih proposes balanced U.S.-China diplomatic ties
Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih proposes a pro-US and China diplomatic stance, diverging from incumbent President Tsai Ing-wen’s approach. Hou criticizes Tsai’s foreign affairs and cross-strait policies, blaming the Tsai administration for Taiwan’s diplomatic isolation, failure to join regional economic bodies, and lack of communication with China. Hou emphasizes adhering to the Constitution of the Republic of China, affirming the nation’s sovereignty, and proposing a balanced stance between fostering solid ties with the United States and engaging with Mainland China. He also highlights the importance of Taiwan being prepared and realistic about its defense, suggesting that the island’s security should not rely solely on promises from the US but on its efforts and pragmatic relations with democratic allies. Political commentator Jaw Shau-kong fiercely criticizes the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for being pro-US and anti-China, deeming Tsai’s policies on cross-strait relations and international diplomacy a complete failure. Jaw points out that despite Taiwan’s willingness to import American pork, the support has yet to translate into the U.S. helping with Taiwan’s entry into international organizations.
2023/12/07 19:13
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President warns against attempts to snatch Taiwan’s allies
President Tsai Ing-wen warned Monday against countries trying to "drive a wedge" between Taiwan and its diplomatic allies.
2023/04/05 18:17