Keywords
Environmental Diplomacy
Pacific
How to Cite
Abstract
Taiwan's environmental diplomacy in the Pacific has emerged as a critical component of its broader foreign policy, especially in light of its limited formal diplomatic recognition globally. Despite being excluded from major international organizations such as the United Nations and its affiliated environmental frameworks, Taiwan has strategically engaged with Pacific Island nations through bilateral and multilateral environmental cooperation initiatives. This paper explores the nature, scope, and impact of Taiwan's environmental diplomacy focusing on projects in Palau, Tuvalu, Nauru, and the Marshall Islands arguing that it addresses ecological challenges while enhancing Taiwan's visibility, legitimacy, and soft power in the Indo-Pacific. Through programs led by International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) and partnerships with local governments, NGO's and academic institutions, Taiwan has advanced renewable energy development, coastal protection, biodiversity conservation, and disaster preparedness. These efforts align with international climate goals, including the Paris Agreement and UN Sustainable Development Goals, despite Taiwan's formal exclusion from such frameworks. Case studies of renewable energy projects in the Marshall Islands and adaptation strategies in Tuvalu demonstrate both tangible infrastructural benefits and intangible gains in trust and legitimacy. The paper argues that Taiwan's environmental diplomacy not only mitigates ecological risks but also enhances its international standing, counters Chinese influence, and illustrates how marginalized states can leverage sustainability to pursue foreign policy objectives.
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