TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The United States "strongly supports" Taiwan's continued participation in the Pacific Islands Forum, a State Department official said Tuesday (Sept. 15) as both Washington and Taipei emerged from the 55th forum with significant commitments to the region. The U.S. pledged over US$150 million (NT$4.78 billion) in assistance while Taiwan signed drone cooperation agreements with three Pacific allies.
"The United States does strongly support Taiwan's continued participation in the Pacific Islands Forum, where Taiwan has been a development partner since 1992," Deputy Assistant Secretary Matt Murray said, adding that Washington continues "to oppose China's efforts to pressure countries to sever or downgrade ties with Taiwan."
Speaking at a virtual press briefing, Murray characterized Taiwan as "a reliable and democratic partner that contributes significantly to prosperity across the Pacific."
Murray acknowledged media focus on China-Taiwan friction was "an important story" but "not the only story."
The U.S. package includes US$60 million (NT$1.91 billion) for the global energy crisis. An additional US$17 million (NT$541.6 million) will combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
Murray also announced a second Pacific Investment Summit in early 2027.
He cited China's "malign activities" in the Pacific, including illegal fishing, economic coercion, and "provocations like the recent SLBM launch."
"We're not simply engaging the Pacific to oppose China, but because we want to have better relationships with these countries," he said.
Taiwan signed drone MOUs with its three Pacific allies — Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu — which are among the 12 countries that recognize Taipei over Beijing.
The first cohort of pilots could begin training in Taiwan in late 2026, with up to 30 trainees at a time, said Chiang Zhen-wei (江振瑋) of the Foreign Ministry.
Training will be conducted through the Global UAV Academy (無人機國際學院), a privately funded foundation.
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) signed a joint statement with Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr. (惠恕仁), Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine (海妮), and Tuvaluan Prime Minister Feleti Teo (戴斐立) on September 2.
China's Foreign Ministry accused Taiwan of "expensive dollar diplomacy" at the forum. Spokesperson Mao Ning (毛寧) said at a Sept. 7 press conference that Palau's ties with Taiwan exist "to line the pockets of the very few people who profit from it." ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$31.86)