Taiwan–Oceania relations refers relations between Taiwan (formally the Republic of China) and Oceania. As of 2024, three states in Oceania have diplomatic relations with Taiwan. These numbers fluctuate as Pacific Island nations re-evaluate their foreign policies, and occasionally shift diplomatic recognition between Beijing and Taipei.
History In 2005, Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian visited Fiji, where he was greeted by government delegates with "full traditional Fijian ceremony of welcome" – although he did not meet his counterpart President Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda, nor Prime Minister Qarase. Ambassador Cai expressed China's "disappointment" at Fiji for having authorised the visit. Later that year, relations were slightly strained once more when Fiji supported Taiwan's wish to join the World Health Organization."Melanesia in Review: Issues and Events 2005" , Alumita L Durutalo, The Contemporary Pacific, vol. 18, n°2, autumn 2006, pp.396–399 Nonetheless, Qarase's government did not vary from its official recognition of the "One China" policy.
In September 2006, the first regional summit of all Taiwan's Pacific Island allies took place, and was hosted by Palau, in Koror. The meeting brought together Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian and delegates from the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, Nauru, Palau, Solomon Islands and Kiribati."Marshall Islands president set to visit" , Ko Shu-ling, Taipei Times, June 26, 2007 It was to become a regular event, known as the Taiwan-Pacific Allies Summit."Taiwan-Pacific Allies Summit to highlight regional issues" , China Post, October 10, 2007"What Really Counts" , Taiwan Review (government website), November 30, 2006 A second regional meeting was hosted by the Marshall Islands in October, and President Chen attended."Chen not planning any transit stops on way to Marshalls" , Ko Shu-ling, Taipei Times, October 3, 2007 This resulted in the Majuro Declaration, in which Taiwan's six Pacific allies re-stated their recognition of the Taiwan's sovereignty, and promised to support the Taiwan's attempts to join the United Nations."Taiwan signs Majuro Declaration with South Pacific allies" , Radio Taiwan International, October 12, 2007
Also in June 2007, Taiwan donated an aid package of €700,000, distributed among eight Pacific regional organisations."Taiwan injects over US$1m into regional development" , Matangi Tonga, June 27, 2007
In January 2008, following the victory of the Kuomintang in the Taiwan's elections, Kuomintang MP Yang Li-huan stated that under the new government Taiwan's interest in the Pacific could decrease. Three days later, however, it was confirmed that Taiwane vice-president Annette Lu would lead a diplomatic visit to the Marshall Islands, Nauru and Solomon Islands."Vice president to visit three allies in South Pacific: official" , China Post, January 28, 2008
In March 2008, new President-elect Ma Ying-jeou was reported as saying that his government would put an end to Taiwanese "cheque-book diplomacy" in the Pacific."Taiwan president-elect vows to end Pacific 'cheque-book diplomacy'", ABC Radio Australia, March 26, 2008 In May of that same year, Ma called for what he referred to as a "cease-fire" in the competition between the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China for diplomatic allies. This followed a scandal due to allegations that Taiwan's Foreign Minister James Huang had attempted to buy Papua New Guinea's diplomatic allegiance."Taiwan's next leader urges truce in cash diplomacy battle" , AFP, May 6, 2008 In October, Taiwan cancelled a scheduled summit between itself and its Pacific Island allies. Although the authorities cited "preparation problems", Radio Australia commented that "the decision appears to be an attempt by the new administration of President Ma Ying-jeou to keep the island's diplomatic activities low-profile and avoid offending China"."Taiwan cancels Pacific islands summit", ABC Radio Australia, October 8, 2008 Taiwanese authorities later stated that the summit had been "postponed" rather than cancelled."Taiwan committed to Pacific allies" , ABC Radio Australia, October 15, 2008 In June 2009, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that President Ma would "attend a [...] leadership summit between Taiwan and its South Pacific allies" in autumn. The summit, hosted by Solomon Islands, would be attended by the "heads of state of Taiwan's six allies in the region" and would focus on "countering the current economic contraction, climate change and how to strengthen the fisheries industry". Upon announcing the summit, the Ministry added that Ma had "developed a fondness for the Pacific region during his previous visit to Solomon Islands when he saw a handful of children at a market selling betel nuts and watermelons while wearing shirts donated by the people of Taiwan"."Ma plans to visit South Pacific allies" , Taipei Times, June 10, 2009
In July 2009, Taiwan donated over €40,000 in a scholarship scheme benefiting students from a number of Pacific countries, including those -such as Fiji or Papua New Guinea- which do not grant it diplomatic recognition. It also donated €288,000 for regional development assistance programmes, to be used notably on access to water, sanitation and hygiene, renewable energy, solar photovoltaic assessments, fisheries management, education and youth training."Taiwan gives to the region" , Solomon Star, July 14, 2009
Taiwan has asked to be recognised as an official dialogue partner of the Pacific Islands Forum. That status is currently awarded to China.
In March 2010, President Ma visited Taiwan's six allies in the region. This coincided with a visit to Solomon Islands by the Republic of China Navy."It's official: President Ma to visit Solomons" , Solomon Star, March 3, 2010 While in Solomon Islands, Ma outlined a development in technical assistance programmes to Taiwan's allies in the region, encompassing assistance in such areas as "encouraging a return to healthier diets, operating on cataracts [or] advising on land reform"."Sinophillia or Sinophobia?" , Islands Business, February 2011
Taiwan's foreign relations with Oceanian countries Relations between Taiwan and Oceania
Australia–Taiwan relations
Kiribati–Taiwan relations Marshall Islands–Taiwan relations
Nauru–Taiwan relations New Zealand–Taiwan relations Palau–Taiwan relations
Solomon Islands–Taiwan relations
Taiwan–Tuvalu relations Taiwan–Vanuatu relations
See also Taiwan–Africa relations Taiwan–Caribbean relations Taiwan–Latin America relations
References