From an airplane, the Marshall Islands look like pearls scattered across the Pacific Ocean. The island nation is made up of 29 atolls — each surrounded by slender coral reefs — and five islands. Beyond being an important maritime hub, it is also one of Taiwan’s closest allies in the Asia-Pacific region.
On Wednesday last week, the two countries marked the 26th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations.
The Republic of the Marshall Islands has stayed steadfast in its support for Taiwan on the international stage. At this year’s UN General Assembly debate, Marshall Islands President Hilda C. Heine reaffirmed her country’s steadfast position, making it clear that it will continue to stand by Taiwan’s rightful place in the global community, saying: “UN Resolution 2758 does not mention Taiwan and should not be used as a pretext to exclude Taiwan from participating meaningfully in the UN system. The resolution has been misused to threaten cross trade and regional peace and security.”
The Marshall Islands has also taken concrete actions to demonstrate a strong commitment to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Last year, it signed a renewed security agreement with the US, further strengthening US influence in the western Pacific and reaffirming its refusal to allow authoritarian forces to encroach on its territorial waters.
The Republic of the Marshall Islands has long been a vocal advocate for Taiwan’s inclusion in global discussions, particularly on critical issues like climate change. At the recent COP29 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Heine once again urged the international community to recognize Taiwan’s contributions to climate action.
As Heine pointed out: “We can not afford to exclude Taiwan... They deserve a seat at this table.”
Beyond this continued diplomatic support for Taiwan on the global stage, Taiwan and the Marshall Islands have also collaborated in areas such as ocean affairs, fisheries and the preservation of Pacific Island cultures.
In the region, the Republic of the Marshall Islands has consistently valued the partnership and contributions provided by the Republic of China (ROC) on Taiwan over the past 29 years to the Pacific Islands Forum community. This cooperation ensures that the significance of the Smaller Island States (SIS: the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Nauru, Tuvalu, Niue, the Cook Islands and Kiribati) is well addressed and prioritized within the distinct objectives of the larger forum members.
Taiwan has actively demonstrated its commitment to giving back to its Pacific allies through meaningful actions. Taiwan’s ongoing development funds for the SIS underscore its dedication to fostering partnerships that promote sustainable and inclusive development for the SIS, in alignment with the overarching 2050 strategy for the forum’s Blue Pacific and its Implementation Plan. Taiwan’s contributions to the SIS have focused on priority areas identified by SIS leaders, including climate change, labor, health, marine resources, and air and sea transportation.
Heine recalled that the 1992 forum agreement recognizes ROC Taiwan’s economic presence in the region and justifies a formal consultative arrangement with forum countries to participate. The Republic of the Marshall Islands will continue to advocate for Taiwan to remain an active partner within the forum, and to ensure that proper protocols and appropriate treatment are upheld accordingly.
In 2018, Taiwan and the Marshall Islands marked a significant milestone — celebrating 20 years of diplomatic relations with the signing of a visa-exemption agreement. This arrangement allows citizens of both nations to stay in each other’s countries for up to 90 days without a visa, opening the door for deeper exchanges and fostering closer ties.
This milestone, though, is not just a reflection of what has been accomplished, but a new beginning, a renewed commitment to the future. As we reflect on the past 26 years and as we look ahead, our shared goal remains clear: to protect and preserve the beautiful oceans that connect us, and to ensure a sustainable, clean and safe planet.
This partnership shows the strength of Taiwan’s ties with Pacific island nations, promoting mutual growth and shared values. The rock-solid Taiwan-Marshall Islands friendship is an excellent illustration of what can be achieved when two like-minded countries collaborate for the greater good of their people and the wider Indo-Pacific region.
Anjanette Kattil is ambassador of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to the Republic of China (Taiwan).
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