By Mar-Vic Cagurangan
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te embarked on his first foreign travel in early December, visiting three sovereign Pacific island nations — while transiting in Hawaii and Guam — in a bid to strengthen Taiwan’s fragile diplomatic framework in the face of mounting pressure from China.
The warm receptions filled with fanfare that Lai and his delegation received in Tuvalu, Palau and the Marshall Islands reflected a promising sign that Taiwan is not about to lose its remaining allies in the Pacific region.
Adopting the theme, “Smart and Sustainable Development for a Prosperous Austronesian Region,” Lai’s trip sought to appeal to Taiwan’s cultural connections to the Pacific island nations rather than focusing on the economic assistance it extends, hence Lai’s repeated statement: “We share Austronesian culture, which makes us like family.”
While it offers aid to Pacific island nations, Taiwan’s reluctance to match China’s influence-peddling and cash-splashing spree caused the democratically-ruled island to lose Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands and Nauru to Beijing. Lai embarked on the trip against the backdrop of China's security agreements with Pacific island nations, which have stirred Western nations' concern over Beijing’s attempts to impose military, political and economic control over the region.
Because China claims Taiwan as its territory, the democratic island stands in an awkward diplomatic position, with only 12 remaining allies, including Palau, the Marshall Islands and Tuvalu.
While it struggles to achieve international recognition as an independent nation, Taiwan retains informal ties with non-allied nations, including the U.S., its main source of diplomatic and military support, which agitates Beijing.
Vowing to resist an authoritarian takeover, Lai said Taiwan is banking on its “solid-rock partnership” with the United States to defend the democratic government.
“Taiwan will overcome all difficulties and stand together with the U.S. and the democratic camp to defend Taiwan's security, maintain regional peace and take care of the world,” Lai said, speaking at a jampacked ballroom during a luncheon hosted by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office at the Hyatt Regency Guam on Dec. 5.
"Let us not bow down to authoritarian regimes," he said, adding that Taiwan "has been through a lot." Still, it has emerged from "the dark age of authoritarianism" to become "the beacon of Asian democracy."
In Tuvalu, Lai signed a joint communique with Prime Minister Feleti Teo “advancing the comprehensive partnership,” and “reassessing the ongoing bilateral cooperation projects to establish more durable, lasting and mutually beneficial diplomatic relations.”
“When I disembarked and saw Tuvaluan students waving the national flags of our two countries, I strongly felt the people’s firm commitment to our diplomatic alliance,” Lai said.
Teo, for his part, thanked Taiwan for its contributions to a pool of funds used by the government to buy a submarine Internet cable, as well as its financial support for climate action.
Taiwan is also assisting Tuvalu with key projects, including the construction of the Tuvalu Parliament House, which will commence in the first half of this year. “Taiwan’s participation in this project not only underscores our support for the Tuvaluan people but also points to the fact that our countries share democratic values and work together to further democracy,” Lai said.
Teo reaffirmed that Taiwan and Tuvalu “are sure to establish even closer relations moving forward,” noting his nation’s 45 years of diplomatic relations with Taipei.
Teo was named prime minister last February, a month after an election that put the nation’s recognition of Taiwan in question. During the election campaign, Tuvaluan lawmaker Seve Paeniu had floated the idea that the new government could review its Taiwan ties, triggering speculation about a looming shift in policy. But Teo’s government has vowed to maintain its “special” relationship with Taiwan.
In the Marshall Islands, President Hilda Heine highlighted her country’s long-standing bilateral relationship with Taiwan, forged in 1998.
Lai and Heine affirmed their “shared commitment to strengthening their partnership” and “deepening people-to-people relations to fortify their enduring friendship.”
The cooperation between the two nations spans various sectors such as education, health, climate change, and cultural exchanges, which Lai said strengthens their partnership over the years.
Heine underscored the significance of working with Taiwan, especially as both island nations face the existential threat of climate change.
She reaffirmed the Marshall Islands’ “resolute support for Taiwan, including my call at the United Nations for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in global decision-making processes, particularly concerning the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.”
In Palau, Lai highlighted the 25 years of Taiwan’s diplomatic ties with the 30-year-old Pacific nation. “Our countries are home to Austronesian peoples, who share a common heritage and culture. And in our respective lands, we have both built democratic and prosperous societies,” he said. “Geopolitical changes are impacting the world, and Taiwan and Palau both face the threat of authoritarianism in the Indo-Pacific. I hope that Taiwan and Palau can work together, further strengthen democracy, and together resist expanding authoritarianism.”
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr., a vocal supporter of Taiwan in the United Nations, expressed hope that “our countries will continue to cooperate and seek an innovative and diversified economic model to spur national development.”
Palau has bilateral cooperation with Taiwan in the fields of education, medicine and public health and tourism.
Between the trips to allied nations, Lai transited in Hawaii and Guam, despite Beijing’s protests.
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said in a statement that his meeting with Lai was a "momentous occasion," highlighting Hawaii's shared values of resilience and collaboration with Taiwan.”
Taiwan’s presidential office said Lai met with Suzanne Vares-Lum, East-West Center president, in Honolulu, where he delivered remarks, thanking the U.S. “for its longstanding support under the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, which continuously strengthens the Taiwan-U.S. partnership.”
On Guam, Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said Lai’s visit “marks a significant chapter in the relationship between our two islands. This relationship is built on shared values and enduring respect for family, community and cultural heritage. Both of our peoples have histories shaped by our resilience and strength.”
Leon Guerrero said the economic ties between Guam and Taiwan “have been transformative,” with Taiwanese investments significantly contributing to Guam's economy.
“Our collaboration extends beyond economies to addressing pressing global challenges. Both Guam and Taiwan are on the front lines of issues such as climate change and public health,” the governor said. “By working together we can innovate and lead efforts to secure a sustainable future for the Indo-Pacific region.”
Guam, as a U.S. territory, can’t build a diplomatic arrangement with Taiwan, but Leon Guerrero said both islands have limitless opportunities for collaboration.
“Whether in technology, in health care, or sustainable development, our combined efforts will undoubtedly yield benefits that resonate far beyond our shores,” she said.
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