The Marshall Islands is committed to maintaining peace and stability in the South Pacific and the greater Indo-Pacific region, Anjanette Kattil, the Marshall Islands ambassador to Taiwan, said in a recent interview with Taiwan News.
“Our goal is to maintain a stable environment that reflects our interest in the wider Pacific,” Kattil said. The Marshall Islands works closely with Taiwan and other regional partners to monitor developments, protect its sovereignty, and promote regional transparency, she said.
She pointed out that during Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine’s state visit to Taiwan in June, she signed a letter of intent with Taiwan’s national security authorities to deepen security cooperation. Kattil said the two countries signed a coast guard cooperation agreement in 2018, which “involves exchange of personnel, information, training and working together on fisheries, law, or joint exercises and patrolling.”
Taiwan has also donated two patrol boats to the country.
Kattil said the partnership with Taiwan reinforces shared democratic principles and the rule-based regional order.
“This, I believe, contributes to a more stable, open, and peaceful Indo-Pacific,” she said. The Marshall Islands is one of three Pacific Island nations that have diplomatic allies with Taiwan — the other two being Tuvalu and Palau.
Though the ambassador did not explicitly mention China, the Marshall Islands has not been immune to the threats posed by Beijing’s increasing presence in the South Pacific. A Chinese duo was caught attempting to convince Marshallese lawmakers to establish a semi-autonomous region in the country’s Rongelap atoll in 2022, seeking to draw foreign investment through reduced taxes and lax immigration restrictions.
China’s influence is also evident in other regional countries. In 2022, China signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, a former Taiwan ally, that allows Chinese police and military personnel to help maintain order.
Chinese military ships can also make port calls in the nation for supply replenishment.
The two countries inked another security deal in 2023, bolstering cooperation in law enforcement. In September, the Solomon Islands blocked Taiwan, the U.S, China, and 21 other donor countries from the Pacific Islands Forum.
Last February, Kiribati acting Police Commissioner Eeri Aritiera confirmed that Chinese police were involved in community policing in the nation, which severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 2019.
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr revealed in August that China was weaponising tourism to the Pacific Island nation as punishment for maintaining diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
When asked about Chinese investments in the region, Kattil said: “We welcome transparent, sustainable engagement from all partners, and at the same time, we respect the sovereignty of other nations. And I expect the same in return.”
She also emphasised the importance of ensuring sovereignty and community-driven development.
Amid the challenges the Marshall Islands faces, Kattil said Taiwan “remains a trusted partner” that has helped the country undergo development and fight external pressures “consistent with our priorities and the wider Pacific priorities” of the greater region.
Kattil pointed out that the Marshall Islands and Taiwan recently celebrated 27 years of diplomatic ties. “Over the years, the relationship has grown strong,” she said.
The ambassador said the Economic Cooperation Agreement signed in 2019 has entered into force and will lead to increased trade and investment. The Marshall Islands seeks to build up its fisheries and tourism industries, while also strengthening its digital infrastructure and climate resilience, she said. The country also aims to deepen cooperation in
cybersecurity, e-government, and clean technology, Kattil added.
The ambassador additionally lauded the first-ever laparoscopic surgery performed in the Marshall Islands, which is a testament to medical collaboration between the two countries.
Kattil said that as a member of the UN, the Marshall Islands will continue to leverage its voice to support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the organisation and other related bodies. “It is Taiwan's right to be able to meaningfully engage with the rest of the world community of nations to address the global challenges that face all of humanity,” she said.
Kattil expressed gratitude to Taiwan for its friendship and support towards the Marshall Islands’ aspirations. “We value this relationship,” she said.
