TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan will persist in international affairs, where it rightfully belongs, Deputy Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kwang (田中光) said on Tuesday (Sept. 3). 

Responding to the possibility of Taiwan’s removal from the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), Tien said at a press conference that the nation’s three diplomatic allies in the Pacific and other like-minded countries continue to support Taiwan. Last week, the Solomon Islands received pressure from China to oppose Taiwan’s inclusion in the regional forum.

On Saturday (Aug. 31), a statement affirming support for Taiwan’s participation in PIF was removed from the forum’s website after the organization's secretary-general faced criticism from a Chinese diplomat over its wording.

Tien, who attended the forum, explained that the PIF joint communique published on the website was a draft. It reaffirmed the leaders' 1992 decision regarding Taiwan. However, China could not accept this and aggressively forced the draft version to be removed, he said.

Tien acknowledged that Taiwan would face difficulties in the coming years, as the Solomon Islands is hosting next year’s PIF and Nauru possibly hosting the year after. Both nations were former allies with Taiwan but now maintain diplomatic relations with China.

Since the Solomon Islands recognized Beijing, the entry of external forces into the Pacific has led to regional security concerns, the deputy foreign minister said. Countries such as the US, the UK, and Australia have expressed worries about China's influence.

Tien emphasized that Taiwan has been a development partner with PIF for 29 years and is an integral part of the Pacific Island nations.