TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA, 外交部) acknowledged on Tuesday (Sept. 3) that the nation will face significant challenges in participating in the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF, 太平洋島國論壇) over the next two years, hosted by the Solomon Islands and Naura, respectively.
Despite these obstacles, Taiwan remains committed to its international engagements, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Tien Chung-kwang (田中光) emphasized earlier that day.
Although the 53rd PIF concluded on Aug. 30, however, a recent controversy arose when the leaders' communique was removed and then reinstated, with references to Taiwan's participation status entirely omitted.
Responding to the issue, Tien underscored Taiwan's 29-year involvement in the PIF, and the support from its three diplomatic allies and other like-minded nations.
Tien highlighted that the communique removed this year was merely a draft, and noted that it only mentioned the reaffirmation of the 1992 decision regarding Taiwan without specifying acceptance or other issues, which China still found unacceptable.
He further stated that the Solomon Islands' diplomatic ties with China have disrupted the balance in the Pacific region, raising security concerns. Taiwan, the U.S., Australia, South Korea, Japan, and New Zealand also share this worry.