The Presidential Office on the morning of October 5 held a press conference to formally announce that President Chen Shui-bian will lead a delegation to the Republic of the Marshall Islands on October 11 to attend the Second Taiwan-Pacific Allies Summit.
Deputy Secretary-General to the President Chen Chi-mai told reporters that the theme of this trip is "Harmonious Co-prosperity, Everlasting Friendship." He said the summit is expected to strengthen the mutually cooperative relationship between Taiwan and its six diplomatic allies in the Pacific, as well as highlight Taiwan's sovereign status. Deputy Secretary-General Chen also said the trip will proclaim to the international community that Taiwan is taking an active role in and is determined to work towards a democratic, prosperous and stable future for the Asia-Pacific region.
Deputy Secretary-General Chen stressed that China is willing to stop at nothing in limiting Taiwan's room to maneuver in the international community. He said that Beijing is even taking subtle steps to support authoritarian regimes throughout the region. President Chen's trip to the Marshall Islands this time is aimed not only at avowing Taiwan's sovereignty, but also at enhancing sustainable development in the Pacific region and bolstering Taiwan's alliances and cooperative relations with its six diplomatic allies in the region. The trip will also show the world that Taiwan's six Pacific allies are committed to supporting Taiwan's entrance into the United Nations, the World Health Organization and other international and regional organizations. Deputy Secretary-General Chen furthermore said that President Chen will hold bilateral talks with the heads of state from each of the countries attending the summit. In addition, the leaders will examine the progress made in the eight major areas detailed in the Palau Declaration that was signed last year. The leaders will discuss opportunities for cooperation in the future and will exchange opinions on a variety of topics, especially those related to health and environmental protection. At the end of the summit, the participants will sign the Majuro Declaration, which is expected to create an even closer bond between Taiwan and its Pacific allies.
Deputy Secretary-General Chen also provided a general briefing and analysis of the status of the Pacific region. He said that in recent years China has continued to build a relationship with Pacific island nations through multilateral or bilateral means, attempting to create a "second island chain." This not only threatens to further isolate Taiwan in the international arena, but also shows China's designs on developing influence in the Pacific, he said. This proves what China Premier Wen Jiabao said in Fiji in 2006 that developing cooperative relations with Pacific island nations not only is a foreign policy goal for China, but is also a strategic decision. As a result, many nations, including the United States, have begun to pay attention to the negative impact caused by China's decision to develop relations with Pacific island countries, Deputy Secretary-General Chen said.
He also said that the strategic significance of the upcoming summit is for Taiwan to use its democratic experience and economic might to foster its relations with a "second island chain" of democratic countries in the Pacific. The upcoming summit will aim to continue to work to achieve the pledges made at the First Taiwan-Pacific Allies Summit, enabling Taiwan's allies in the region to sense Taiwan's commitment to strengthen mutual cooperation with its friends. At the same time, the summit will offset the attempt by China to damage and prevent the development of relations between Taiwan and its allies in the region via holding the China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development & Cooperation Forum. Taiwan also hopes that the holding of this year's summit will boost understanding among Pacific island nations of Taiwan's diplomatic policies and clearly exhibit where these policies differ from those adopted by China.
Deputy Secretary-General Chen stressed that the maritime areas around Taiwan and its Pacific island nation allies amount to a cumulative 9.02 million square kilometers. These seas are home to vast oceanic resources and boast large amounts of natural gas and crude oil, giving them a high strategic value. Taiwan hopes that this summit will pave the way to continue to develop and strengthen the friendly relations between Taiwan and its allies in the region as well as stress the common values among the attending countries.