by Pita Ligaiula 
of PACNEWS in Taipei

Taiwan’s deputy Foreign Minister François Chih-chung Wu has warned that China’s growing influence in the Pacific is undermining democratic values and distorting regional relationships.

Speaking to PACNEWS during a working lunch at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Taipei, Wu said Taiwan wants to be treated as a normal member of the Pacific community and believes it has much to contribute, especially through its strengths in technology and economic development.

“What Taiwan seeks is to be considered a normal Pacific Island country. We do believe we can contribute- our strength lies in technology and economic activity,” he said.

“We hope we can join the Pacific Island community. Several years ago, it seemed possible. Now, it’s more difficult.”

Wu noted that while only three Pacific nations currently maintain formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, support continues from countries like Australia and New Zealand.

He also pointed to ongoing, though difficult, dialogue with the Solomon Islands following its switch in allegiance to Beijing.

“We continue to dialogue with the Solomon Islands, but it’s not easy because China’s influence is getting stronger and stronger,” he said.

“Some Pacific Island nations are becoming naïve. China has a clear will to dominate the region.”

Wu alleged that China is using coercive tactics and even corruption to sway Pacific leaders.

“What China tries to do is control. We believe China is trying to corrupt leaders of Pacific Island nations. The people need to know about that. Leaders controlled by China is not a good thing for the people,” he warned.

He emphasised that Taiwan, as a democracy, has both the experience and the resources to engage meaningfully with its Pacific partners.

“Taiwan has the experience and resources to work with our brothers in the Pacific,” Wu said.

The deputy minister also expressed a desire to restore relations with countries that previously cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

“Certainly, Taiwan wants to re-establish ties with countries that abandoned us. People should understand that Taiwan was undeveloped in the past—but now we are a developed country,” he said.

“Any country that wants to re-establish ties should do so in a transparent and normal way, for the good of both nations.”

Taiwan continues to push for recognition and support in a region where strategic competition with China is intensifying.

China has claimed the self-governing island of Taiwan is part of its territory. Its long-standing policy is to take back Taiwan eventually, including by force, if necessary.