TAIWAN has started to strengthen Pacific alliances ahead of the regional leaders’ meeting scheduled for 2026.
After a visit early this month, Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lin Chia-lung, said he saw impressive advancement the bilateral partnership with Palau.
And Taiwan said the visit underscored its commitment to enhancing economic and trade ties with one of its three Pacific allies.
With Palau set to host the 55th Pacific Islands Forum, Taiwan has a unique opportunity to showcase its ability in agriculture, aviation, electronics, health, technology, and trade without interference from China.
At the 2025 Pacific Islands Forum in Honiara, Solomon Islands was pressured by China to exclude Taiwan from talks. This move ultimately led to China, Taiwan, and several international organisations being excluded from the meeting.
Beijing wants Pacific nations to adopt a one China policy but Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu, continue to recognise Taiwan.
The Taiwan Foreign Affairs Ministry said an exhibition around the forum leaders event would “share its expertise and show the world how the country is helping advance prosperity in its Pacific allies through cooperation with like-minded partners.’’ Lin led a delegation of representatives from Taiwan’s electronics, green energy, medical and tourism industries to Palau as part of the government’s Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project.
He met President Surangel Whipps Jr., Minister of State Gustav Aitaro and other key political figures and tribal leaders. Lin also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between a Taiwanese firm and the state government of Melekeok to build Palau’s first golf course.