Fiji's UN Envoy Visits Taiwan: A Diplomatic Maneuver

In a surprising move, a high-ranking Fijian diplomat paid a visit to Taiwan this week. Filipo Tarakinikini, Fiji's permanent representative to the United Nations, met with Taiwan's Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim. This visit is quite unusual because Fiji officially recognizes China, which strongly opposes any diplomatic interactions with Taiwan. The meeting took place as part of a larger delegation that included representatives from the Marshall Islands and Paraguay, both of which maintain formal ties with Taiwan. Hsiao expressed gratitude for the support these countries have shown, highlighting their role in helping Taiwan engage with the international community, particularly within the UN system. Tarakinikini also had a dinner meeting with Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung. The purpose of these meetings remains unclear, as neither Fiji's foreign ministry nor China's foreign ministry has responded to requests for comment. China views Taiwan as part of its territory and is known for its strong opposition to any diplomatic exchanges with Taipei, especially from countries that have official relations with Beijing. Taiwan, on the other hand, asserts its right to engage with other countries and rejects China's territorial claims. This visit comes at a time when the Pacific Islands are becoming a hotspot for geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China. Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has previously expressed opposition to China setting up a military base in the region, emphasizing that such a move is unnecessary. Taiwan maintains a de facto embassy in Fiji, and in 2020, one of its diplomats was reportedly hospitalized after an incident involving Chinese diplomats. China denied the account. In 2005, Taiwan's then-President Chen Shui-bian visited Fiji during a Pacific tour but did not meet with government officials.