Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung delivers an address at the opening ceremony of “Local Democracy: Global Collaboration, Urban Innovation,” a forum organized by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy Jan. 27 in Taipei City. (MOFA)
 

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung spoke at “Local Democracy: Global Collaboration, Urban Innovation,” a forum held Jan. 27 in Taipei City, and highlighted Taiwan’s commitment to democracy and the applications of technology to local governance.

Organized by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, the event was themed “AI x Democracy.” The forum was hosted by Ambassador-at-large Audrey Tang and included Kaohsiung City Deputy Mayor Lee Huai-jen and his counterpart Cheng Chao-hsin of Taichung City as panelists. Also in attendance were 12 delegates from 7 international organizations and representatives from the offices of Argentina, Belgium, Belize, Guatemala, Haiti, Israel, South Korea, Sweden and the U.K.

Speaking at the opening ceremony in his role as the TFD vice chair, Lin said that this year marks the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s first direct presidential election, which was a milestone on the country’s road to democracy. Taiwan’s democratic system is founded on the concept of local self-governance, he said, citing the first election of city mayors and county magistrates in 1950.

The foreign minister noted that the lifting of martial law in 1987 was another significant event in Taiwan’s democratization, and drew a line between political and technological flourishing by reminding attendees that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. was founded in the same year.

Lin went on to say that he believes emerging technologies are more effectively applied in the local level. He drew on his experience as mayor of Taichung to discuss the leveraging of smart applications to tackle city governance issues and drive city-oriented innovation. The era of artificial intelligence brings new challenges and opportunities, the minister said, adding that he looks forward to opening a dialogue with international partners to discuss the role of cities in the global democratic governance network, which also embodies the practices of the integrated diplomacy initiative. (YCH-E)

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung discusses Indo-Pacific security and calls for Indonesia to strengthen bilateral semiconductor cooperation in a virtual interview with Tempo magazine Jan. 9 in Taipei City. (MOFA)
 

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said Taiwan is committed to safeguarding cross-strait peace and stability and is willing to deepen semiconductor cooperation with Indonesia.

Lin made the remarks during a virtual interview with a reporter from Indonesian weekly magazine Tempo Jan. 9 in Taipei City for an article published Jan. 17.

According to Lin, China continues to leverage hybrid threats in an attempt to unilaterally change the Taiwan Strait status quo. Beijing’s geopolitical ambitions extend to Japan and the Philippines, challenging the international order established after World War II, he said, adding that China’s actions demonstrate that it is the major destabilizing force in the Indo-Pacific.

The Taiwanese government is determined to accelerate national defense reform while bolstering whole-of-society resilience to strengthen deterrence and maintain the cross-strait status quo, Lin said. He added that Taiwan’s aim is to ensure regional peace and freedom of navigation and that the country has no intention of escalation.

The foreign minister went on to say that Taiwan-Indonesia relations should be based on practical and mutually beneficial cooperation. Unlike China, Taiwan prioritizes long-term, substantive collaboration, he said, urging Indonesia to view Taiwan as an equal and trustworthy partner.

Indonesia has a vast market and huge growth potential, making it an important partner for Taiwan within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Lin said. As a critical hub in the global semiconductor supply chain, Taiwan is willing to act as a bridge linking Indonesia to the non-red supply chain formed by the U.S. and other democratic countries, he added.

Lin concluded by pledging to raise Taiwan’s international profile and deepen cooperation with Indonesia in support of its leadership role in ASEAN and shared efforts to build a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific. (YCH-E)

The European Parliament on January 22 passed by a substantial majority a resolution titled “Drones and new systems of warfare—the EU’s need to adapt to be fit for today’s security challenges.” The resolution called for enhancing security and defense cooperation and partnership with the European Union’s Indo-Pacific partners, including Taiwan, particularly in drone technology and relevant industries; and stressed the importance of building secure, non-red supply chains underpinned by democratic values.

This resolution demonstrates the European Parliament’s recognition of Taiwan’s standing in the drone sector and regard for jointly building democratic supply chains. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) welcomes and appreciates the resolution and looks forward to the strengthening of relevant cooperation and exchanges between Taiwan and Europe going forward.

In facing the threat of authoritarian expansionism, and as a reliable partner of the democratic community, Taiwan has long invested heavily in drone and key technology industries and remains committed to working with like-minded countries to establish secure and resilient non-red supply chains aligned with democratic values. For example, in November 2024, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung led a delegation to Lithuania to attend the Drone Industry Business Forum, where he witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Taiwan Excellence Drone International Business Opportunities Alliance and the Lithuanian Defense and Security Industries Association. MOFA has also established a drone diplomacy task force.

Looking ahead, Taiwan will continue to deepen exchanges and cooperation with such like-minded partners as the European Union in relevant areas so as to jointly address current security challenges and advance regional peace and global stability.

Related File(s)

• European Parliament resolution on “Drones and new systems of warfare—the EU’s need to adapt to be fit for today’s security challenges”

The European Parliament on January 21 voted to adopt resolutions concerning the annual reports on the implementation of the European Union Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). The resolutions once again voiced opposition to China’s distortion of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 and unilateral attempts to change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait through force or coercion. They also lent support for further deepening comprehensive Taiwan-EU cooperation and exchanges. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung sincerely welcomes and appreciates these resolutions.

The CFSP resolution reiterated that China’s territorial claims over Taiwan had no basis in international law, that neither Taiwan nor China was subordinate to the other, and that only Taiwan’s democratically elected government could represent the people of Taiwan. It further condemned China’s military exercises last year, including Strait Thunder-2025A and Justice Mission 2025, for threatening peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as well as adjacent international waters. The resolution also expressed concern over China’s escalating coercion against Taiwan through political, economic, military, cyber, and cognitive measures. It emphasized that Taiwan was a key democratic partner for the European Union in the Indo-Pacific region and urged the EU and its member states to engage in closer cooperation with Taiwan in order to further boost economic, trade, and investment ties.

Meanwhile, the CSDP resolution emphasized that military escalation in the Taiwan Strait had serious consequences for European security and supply chains. It condemned China’s unilateral attempts to change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait and its refusal to rule out the use of force against Taiwan, both of which constituted a serious threat to regional stability. The resolution affirmed recent freedom of navigation operations conducted by the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany in the Taiwan Strait; called for regular exchanges between Taiwan and the European Union on relevant security matters; and welcomed granting Taiwan access to the EU’s IRIS² secure satellite internet constellation, as well as greater Taiwan-EU cooperation on countering foreign information manipulation and interference and protecting submarine cables.

Last year, the European Parliament sent a delegation from its Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield, as well as groups led by Ivars Ījabs, Vice President of the Renew Europe Group, Reinis Pozņaks, a member of the European Parliament, and Anders Vistisen, Chief Whip of the European Patriots Group, to Taiwan. This demonstrated the European Parliament’s commitment to supporting a stronger Taiwan-EU partnership and democratic resilience through concrete actions.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanks the European Parliament for its key role in furthering Taiwan-EU relations. Taiwan will continue to build on the existing foundation to expand cooperation and exchanges with the European Parliament so as to jointly build a solid, mutually beneficial network of values-based alliances.

Related Link(s)

• Text of the CFSP resolution
• Text of the CSDP resolution

Minister Lin thanks Secretary General Velicaria-Garafil for her contributions to promoting Taiwan-Philippines cooperation.
 

On behalf of the government of Taiwan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung conferred the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon on Secretary General of the House of Representatives of the Philippines Cheloy E. Velicaria-Garafil on January 23. The award was granted at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and recognizes Secretary General Velicaria-Garafil’s remarkable contributions to strengthening the partnership between Taiwan and the Philippines when she served as Chairperson and Resident Representative of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO).

In his remarks, Minister Lin pointed out that Secretary General Velicaria-Garafil had played a pivotal role in advancing Taiwan-Philippines relations. He expressed appreciation that during her tenure she had facilitated the signing and issuance of Memorandum Circular No. 82 by the Philippine government, which eased restrictions on official interactions, as well as the granting of 14-day visa-free entry for Taiwan nationals visiting the Philippines for business and tourism, thus overcoming a barrier that had stood for many years. Minister Lin noted that these achievements contributed greatly to deepening bilateral friendship and exchanges in various areas.
 

Minister Lin confers the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon on Secretary General Velicaria-Garafil on behalf of the government of Taiwan.
 

He said that building upon the existing solid foundation, Taiwan would continue to work with the Philippine government to advance collaboration in such areas as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, smart agriculture, clean energy, talent development, and tourism. He added that Taiwan would promote the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project in line with the policy of integrated diplomacy to continue to foster mutual benefits and shared prosperity as well as to jointly bolster and safeguard the peace, prosperity, and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.

In her remarks, Secretary General Velicaria-Garafil thanked the government of Taiwan, the business community, and other groups for their strong support during her tenure. This, she said, had helped transform what had been previously regarded as impossible into tangible outcomes. She added that in her heart, Taiwan had become like a second home and that she would continue to advance Taiwan-Philippines relations in her new position and advocate for Taiwan as a friend of the country.
 

Minister Lin, Secretary General Velicaria-Garafil (fourth left), Vice Minister Ger (second right), Chairperson and Resident Representative of MECO Corazon Padiernos (third right), and MECO officials pose for a photo.
 

Following the ceremony, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Baushuan Ger hosted a banquet for Secretary General Velicaria-Garafil on behalf of MOFA, expressing high regard for her outstanding contributions in elevating Taiwan-Philippines relations during her time in Taiwan. (E)

High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union Kaja Kallas and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea Cho Hyun jointly held the second EU-ROK Strategic Dialogue in Brussels on January 22. During the talks, the two sides reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and their strong opposition to any unilateral attempts in the South China Sea to change the status quo by force or coercion, stating that this could undermine regional stability and the international rules-based order. The European Union (EU) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) also reiterated their condemnation of third-country support for Russia’s illegal war of aggression in Ukraine.

Following the first EU-ROK Strategic Dialogue, this marks another instance of the EU and the ROK issuing a joint statement underscoring the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes and appreciates the statement. Facing authoritarian expansionism, which threatens regional peace, Taiwan, as a responsible member of the democratic alliance in the Indo-Pacific region, will continue to strengthen cooperation with such like-minded partners as the EU to jointly defend the values of freedom and democracy and uphold the international rules-based order.

Related Link(s)

• Joint statement from the second EU-ROK Strategic Dialogue

Officials from Taiwan, Australia, Canada, Japan, the U.S. and the U.K. open the GCTF “International Workshop on Enhancing the Resilience of Communication Infrastructure” Jan. 21 in Taipei City. (MOFA)
 

The International Workshop on Enhancing the Resilience of Communication Infrastructure under the Global Cooperation and Training Framework got underway Jan. 21 in Taipei City, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The three-day event was organized by the MOFA and Ministries of Digital Affairs and Transportation and Communications, in collaboration with the American Institute in Taiwan, Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, the Australian Office in Taipei, the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei and the British Office Taipei.

More than 190 officials, experts and business representatives from 26 countries are taking part in the workshop, the MOFA said, adding that distinguished speakers include MOTC Minister Chen Shih-kai, Deputy Digital Minister Yeh Ning, JTEA Chief Rep. Kazuyuki Katayama and U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary Robert Koepcke.

During the workshop’s run, participants will discuss governance, protection and recovery of communications infrastructure in the face of natural disasters, cyberattacks, deliberate and accidental damage, geopolitical risks and equipment aging.

Experts in the field will also explore subsea cable protection and repair, terrestrial and high-altitude communication system resilience and the critical role of satellite communications in crisis scenarios.

They will visit the Taiwan Space Agency in Hsinchu County and Toucheng Submarine Cable Landing Station in Yilan County to better understand Taiwan’s approach and experience in communication infrastructure protection and resilience enhancement, the organizers said.

Since its launch in 2015 by Taiwan and the U.S., the GCTF has become established as a vital platform for facilitating discussion of solutions for global issues. The initiative was later joined by Japan, Australia, Canada and the U.K., with more than 90 events staged so far. (SFC-E)

Premier Cho Jung-tai displays a brochure showing government initiatives to support industries during a press conference detailing Taiwan’s tariff negotiations with the U.S. Jan. 20 in Taipei City. (Courtesy of Executive Yuan)
 

The Executive Yuan held a press conference Jan. 20 in Taipei City to elaborate on tariff negotiations held with the U.S. following the return of Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun and the trade negotiations team.

Premier Cho Jung-tai first noted that the government proposed a NT$93 billion (US$2.9 billion) initiative to support domestic industry. In addition, a model proposed by Cheng was that Taiwan companies would invest US$250 billion into the US, and the government would guarantee an additional US$250 billion in credit to facilitate further investment. He added that the negotiations enabled an advantageous strategic gain for Taiwan and committed to fully support upcoming negotiations on a Taiwan-U.S. reciprocal trade agreement.

Cheng detailed consensus reached during the negotiations, including lowering U.S. import duty on Taiwan-made goods to 15 percent without stacking them on existing most-favored-nation rates, which is the same status as that of Japan, South Korea, Switzerland and the EU. In addition, semiconductors and related products from Taiwan were granted the most favored nation treatment under Section 232; an investment memorandum of understanding was signed; and signing of a reciprocal trade agreement is imminent. The vice premier also again urged the U.S. to finalize an avoidance of double taxation agreement.

As for credit guarantees, Cheng said the government plans to guarantee up to 50 to 60 percent of loans, with a leverage multiple of 15 to 20 times, putting estimated funding required for the mechanism at between US$6.25 billion and US$10 billion. The mechanism will progress in stages, she said, adding that the MOU does not specify a time limit and that companies will apply for financing only when needed.

The vice premier emphasized that Taiwan is strengthening its semiconductor prowess in the U.S. instead of shifting its supply chain to the U.S. The country’s semiconductor production value reached NT$6.5 trillion last year, she said, adding that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.’s investment in Taiwan is more than its investment in other countries. She concluded by pledging “Taiwan-U.S. can lead” and envisages creation of strategic artificial intelligence partnerships and a mutually beneficial trade relationship with the U.S.

Economic Affairs Minister Kung Ming-hsin said the new tariffs would enhance competitiveness in Taiwan’s automotive components, machinery and machine tool sectors in the U.S. It will also help bicycle, hand tools, medical equipment, plastics, textiles and water hardware industries in market competition, he noted, adding that the results further strengthen Taiwan’s key role in the global high-tech community. (YCH-E)

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (left) and Digital Minister Lin Yi-jing convene their first ministerial meeting Jan. 20 in Taipei City. (MOFA)
 

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung and Digital Minister Lin Yi-jing held their first joint ministerial meeting Jan. 20 in Taipei City to explore areas of potential cooperation under the government’s integrated diplomacy strategy.

The two ministers agreed to strengthen Taiwan-U.S. artificial intelligence supply chain partnership, promote AI infrastructure investment in allied and friendly countries and expand Taiwan’s participation in international digital forums and mechanisms, among other key issues.

Foreign Minister Lin emphasized that AI is widely viewed as a measure of national power and that Taiwan is well positioned to become a critical geopolitical player because of its digital strengths. He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working with allies and partners to implement AI and information and communications technology projects under the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project.

Since taking office in May 2024, Lin has held similar coordination meetings with the ministers of culture, economic affairs, education, environment and labor, the MOFA said, adding that the talks are part of efforts to align diplomacy with domestic policy priorities.

In response, Digital Minister Lin said the Ministry of Digital Affairs is responsible for promoting digital transformation and boosting the global competitiveness of Taiwan’s digital sector. He added that cooperation with the MOFA will help extend Taiwan’s digital influence and support a secure and reliable AI supply chain.

He cited efforts to cultivate AI talent and build a traditional Chinese corpus for large language model applications through platforms such as the Taiwan-U.S. Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue. He also noted the participation of Deputy Digital Minister Isabel Hou at the U.S. State Department’s Pax Silica Summit in Washington, D.C., last December.

The MOFA said Taiwan is willing to share its experience in economic and technological development with allies and partners, adding that the government is committed to providing solutions to help democratic partners advance AI development while expanding Taiwan’s international presence. (SFC-E)

Related File(s)

• Connecting with the World Through Digital Capabilities: Ministry of Digital Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Hold First Joint Ministerial Meeting to Advance Integrated Diplomacy

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs François Chih-chung Wu (right) responds in an interview by correspondent Kim Yoojin from South Korea’s Kyunghyang Shinmun last month in Taipei City. (MOFA)
 

Deputy Foreign Minister François Chih-chung Wu said Taiwan is committed to enhancing its national defense capabilities to maintain the Taiwan Strait status quo and ensure its democratic way of life.

The deputy minister made the remarks during an interview with journalist Kim Yoojin of South Korea’s Kyunghyang Shinmun last month in Taipei City, resulting in two articles published Dec. 21, 2025, and Jan. 16, respectively, on the daily news media’s website.

According to Wu, China’s continuous modernization of its military is a key factor contributing to geopolitical instability in the region. Self-defense enhancement in Taiwan is not intended to provoke China or change the status quo, but only to ensure security, Wu said.

Despite Beijing’s claim that Taiwan is its “core interest,” Wu said from the perspectives of global economy and strategy, Taiwan is a key interest for democracies such as the U.S., Europe and Japan.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. holds a strategic position in the global economy and the semiconductor supply chain, thus the stability and security of Taiwan is extremely important to the democratic world, the deputy minister stated.

Wu said the current U.S. administration’s National Security Strategy report reiterates that it does not support any unilateral change to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, which is the same as previous statements voicing objection to any changes in the cross-strait status quo.

As a major actor in the region, Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation with like-minded partners to ensure peace, stability and shared Indo-Pacific interests, the deputy minister added.

In addition, Wu noted that South Korea’s E-Arrival system incorrectly labels Taiwan as part of China. He urged Seoul to follow the approach adopted by the U.S., Europe and Japan, and change the designation to “Taiwan.” (SFC-E)

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (center) hosts the interministerial strategic group meeting for Taiwan’s participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group Jan. 16 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Taipei City. (MOFA)
 

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung hosted an interministerial strategic group meeting, Jan. 16 to plan participation in the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting. The group discussed overall national direction and task priorities in the international body.

The event was attended by 130 representatives from over 20 ministries and agencies. National delegation members to the 2026 APEC Business Advisory Council Acer Chairman Jason Chen, Taiwan Mobile President Jamie Lin and Quanta Computer Chief Technology Officer Ted Chang also shared their experiences and offered suggestions during the event.

According to Lin, APEC is the most important economic and trade forum in the Asia-Pacific, and the issues it highlights such as anti-fraud measures, digital applications, smart medical care and technology are in line with the government’s own policy priorities. The organization has stressed the importance of public-private collaboration in recent years, he said, and urged ministries and agencies to strengthen cooperation with private entities to support the integrated diplomacy initiative and realize President Lai Ching-te’s aspiration for Taiwan to be a thriving global economic powerhouse.

Lin noted that Taiwan has set up an APEC sub-fund on future healthcare, the first major Taiwan APEC initiative for a decade. It is hoped that the public sector will make greater use of the fund to host meetings and activities sharing digital health and smart medical care achievements; create further business opportunities for domestic enterprises and show how Taiwan Can Help and Taiwan Can Lead.

Taiwan joined the APEC as a full member in 1991, the MOFA said, adding that equal participation was a 2024 and 2025 meeting consensus supported by all APEC members and was included in a joint statement by the APEC Ministerial Meeting. Citing China’s statement in ensuring security of all participants during the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in 2024, the MOFA directly requests that China observe APEC rules, conventions and practices to respect Taiwan’s right to equally participate in the 2026 APEC meetings and to safeguard the representatives’ security during the event. (YCH-E)

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (sixth left), three ABAC delegates and other officials give the thumbs-up sign Jan. 14 in Taipei City. (MOFA)
 

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung hosted the national delegation to the 2026 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Advisory Council Jan. 14, lauding their roles as part of the government’s integrated diplomacy initiative.

Appointed by President Lai Ching-te, the group comprises Acer Chairman Jason Chen, Taiwan Mobile President Jamie Lin and Quanta Computer Chief Technology Officer Ted Chang.

Lin said diplomacy is the manifestation of a country’s national power and benefits from coordination by both the public and private sectors. He thanked the three delegates for proposing two initiatives on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity last year.

The minister said the proposals were well received by other member economies, adding that their inclusion in the 2025 ABAC report to the APEC economic leaders also raised Taiwan’s profile at the regional bloc and showed how Taiwan Can Help and Taiwan Can Lead.

After nine months, Taiwan has successfully set up an APEC sub-fund on future healthcare, the first major APEC initiative by the country in a decade, Lin said. It is hoped that both the public and private sectors will make greater use of the fund as a contribution to global health, he added.

As Taiwan is a global front runner in both information communication technology and healthcare, the minister said smart medicine and health had been selected as one of the eight flagship sectors of the ministry’s Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project.

The MOFA and Ministry of Health and Welfare also set up a medical and health diplomacy advisory group last year to develop smart medical solutions for Taiwan’s allies and friends while expanding local firms’ global presence, he added.

In response, the delegates said they are deeply honored to fly the flag for Taiwan at APEC once again. They will share Taiwan’s success in AI, digital technologies, health and medical care, and information resilience to enhance Taiwan’s presence in global discussions on these issues. (SFC-E)

Vice Foreign Minister Ger Bau-shuan (third right) is joined by recipients of the Minister’s Award at the closing ceremony of the 2025 New Southbound Policy Elite Study Program Jan. 12 in Taipei City. (MOFA)
 

The 2025 New Southbound Policy Elite Study Program wrapped up Jan. 12 in Taipei City, underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening mutual understanding and people-to-people connections with NSP target countries.

Last year’s program, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, enabled 105 participants to gain insight into Taiwan’s freedom and its democratic way of life during their five-month stay in the country. The closing ceremony was attended by officials from India, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Speaking at the event, Vice Foreign Minister Ger Bau-shuan said that the program was launched by the MOFA in cooperation with Taipei Medical University, National Taipei University of Technology and National Quemoy University in 2022, with National Pingtung University of Science and Technology and National Chung Hsing University taking part in 2023. He thanked the institutions for supporting the government’s NSP+ program in the cultivation of next-generation talents.

Ger encouraged students to become friends of Taiwan, and thanked Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines for releasing official statements stressing the importance of cross-strait peace and stability. Taiwan is committed to working with like-minded partners to safeguard peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, he added.

Five students who received the Minister’s Award said during the ceremony that the program demonstrates Taiwan’s emphasis on higher education. They added that they have enjoyed living in Taiwan for its societal emphasis on freedom, equal rights for health care and respect for human rights.

A key plank in the government’s national development strategy, the NSP seeks to deepen Taiwan’s agricultural, business, cultural, education, tourism and trade ties with Australia, New Zealand, six South Asian countries and the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states. The ministry will further promote the NSP+ to deepen cooperation with Southeastern and southern Asian countries to create a prosperous Indo-Pacific, the MOFA said. (YCH-E)

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung delivers the opening remarks at the 2026 NGO Leaders Forum Jan. 7 in Taipei City. (MOFA)
 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held the 2026 NGO Leaders Forum Jan. 7 in Taipei City, highlighting the international achievements of Taiwanese government agencies and nongovernmental organizations in promoting integrated diplomacy.

Titled “Integrated Diplomacy in Action: NGO Experiences, Achievements and Outlook,” the event brought together over 200 academics, officials, business representatives, and NGO leaders and employees from home and abroad, the MOFA said.

In his opening remarks, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said NGOs and civic groups are key partners in Taiwan’s diplomatic efforts. With their assistance, Taiwan has been able to participate in international cooperative projects and demonstrate its commitment to freedom, democracy and respect for human rights, helping build a trustworthy Taiwan model, he said.

Lin also expressed hope that the government’s value-added diplomacy approach would further enhance Taiwan’s global visibility in democracy, economic development and security.

Following Lin’s remarks, Marco Chiesara, president of the Italian nongovernmental organization WeWorld, delivered a keynote address on working with Taiwan to support vulnerable children in crisis-affected countries such as Ukraine. He cited the organization’s cooperation with Taichung City-based Taiwan Fund for Children and Families and thanked the MOFA for its assistance.

At the economic diplomacy panel, participants discussed ways to strengthen Taiwan’s high-tech supply chains, encourage domestic industries to remain rooted in Taiwan while expanding globally, and advance President Lai Ching-te’s goal of building the nation into a global economic powerhouse.

During the values-based diplomacy session, NGO leaders exchanged views on promoting universal values such as freedom and humanitarian assistance, emphasizing their role in strengthening partnerships with allies and like-minded partners and showcasing Taiwan as a beacon of democracy.

The final session focused on alliance-based diplomacy, with panelists sharing Taiwan’s cooperation with democratic partners on defense and digital resilience. They expressed hope that such collaboration would position Taiwan as a key force in maintaining stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

Launched in 2020 by the MOFA’s Department of NGO International Affairs, the forum aims to boost cooperation and exchanges between the government, businesses and civic groups from around the world. (YCH-E)

In a statement on current developments concerning the “Taiwan issue” published on December 31, the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said that Taiwan was an inalienable part of China’s territory; that Cambodia considered issues related to Taiwan an internal affair of the People’s Republic of China (PRC); and that it supported China’s effort to achieve “national reunification” while opposing any form of “Taiwan independence.” Such false and absurd claims gravely contradict reality.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) deeply regrets the Cambodian government’s submission to China’s authoritarian actions at the end of 2025, when China conducted military exercises around Taiwan, and strongly condemns Cambodia for disseminating absurd remarks that denigrate Taiwan’s sovereignty.

MOFA reiterates that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the PRC is subordinate to the other; that the Chinese Communist Party has never governed Taiwan; and that no country has the right or power to deny the objective fact of Taiwan’s existence. MOFA calls on Cambodia to stop disregarding reality, blindly following China, and endorsing intentionally aggressive rhetoric or deeds that undermine regional peace and stability.

MOFA emphasizes that Taiwan is willing to cooperate with all nations that support freedom, democracy, and human rights. Taiwan will work with such nations to constrain the expansion of authoritarianism, safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and maintain freedom and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region. (E)