Taiwan's Diplomatic Struggles: Defying China's Growing Influence

Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung labels China a 'regional troublemaker' after the Solomon Islands exclude Taiwan from the Pacific Islands Forum. Lin criticizes Beijing's sway over the decision and asserts Taiwan's commitment to Pacific development through other channels while rejecting China's territorial claims.

Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung has sharply criticized China, labeling it a 'regional troublemaker' following the Solomon Islands' decision to exclude Taiwan and other dialogue partners, including the United States, from the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Meeting. This decision, according to Lin, was heavily influenced by Beijing.

Despite the sidelining, Lin affirmed that while the U.S. and China maintained diplomatic embassies in Honiara, enabling unofficial engagement, Taiwan would still find pathways to contribute to Pacific development. He lamented Taiwan's absence as 'a loss for the island nations,' underscoring its longstanding role in regional growth.

Lin emphasized the importance of inclusivity, warning that the exclusion of dialogue partners could hinder the forum's capability to tackle shared challenges. He highlighted that Palau, a staunch ally of Taiwan, is slated to host next year's meeting, where Taiwan hopes to cement its commitment to regional development. Lin also rejected China's sovereign claims over Taiwan, derogatorily phrase Beijing's stance as 'the emperor's new clothes.'

He resolutely dismissed China's territorial claims, arguing that the People's Republic of China 'has never ruled Taiwan for even a single day,' citing the position that UN Resolution 2758 does not mention Taiwan. Lin stated Taiwan's ongoing fight against Beijing's suppression through international cooperation and diplomacy. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)