TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kwang (田中光) released a statement on Sunday (Sept. 1) to report on Taiwan’s participation in a dialogue with allied nations of the Pacific Islands Forum. 

The Taiwanese delegation arrived in Tonga on Aug. 24 and will return to Taiwan on Sept. 4, after meeting with representatives of Palau, Tuvalu, and the Marshal Islands. The 29th annual PIF-Taiwan dialogue was hosted by Hilda Heine, the President of the Marshall Islands, and co-chaired by the current Deputy Secretary-General of the PIF Desna Solofa of Samoa.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the meeting was constructive for bilateral and multi-lateral initiatives to further economic development and environmental conservation among regional allies, and to promote peace and prosperity throughout the region. 

Tien assured allies at the meeting that Taiwan remains committed to the “2050 Strategy for a Blue Pacific,” the vision statement being promoted at this year’s PIF Leaders Meeting. 

The Taiwan delegation outlined and affirmed its commitment to continue supporting the region in the economy, agriculture, education, and human resources. At the close of the dialogue, Taiwan signed a statement of intent with its allies to strengthen multilateral cooperation through various channels and mechanisms over the next two years.  

MOFA also expressed its gratitude to Australia and New Zealand as well as its three allies for standing up for Taiwan’s rights and interests as a Development Partner of the PIF, a position it has maintained since 1993. 

Last week, a Chinese official in attendance at the PIF pressured the organization to remove all mentions of Taiwan from the PIF’s Forum Communique. Despite the snub, Taiwan, its allies in the PIF, and partners Australia and New Zealand have called for the organization to maintain the existing arrangement with Taiwan as a Development Partner.