Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, faced challenges regarding its participation in the World Trade Organization (WTO) due to actions taken by Cameroon, the host country of the 14th Ministerial Conference. On March 20, 2026, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a strong statement condemning Cameroon for undermining Taiwan's rights as an independent member at this significant international event. Despite Taiwan's historical inclusion in previous conferences, the approved pre-enrolment incorrectly designated Taiwan as the 'Province of China' rather than recognizing it as a separate customs territory. Subsequently, Taiwan made appeals through its Permanent Mission to the WTO, supported by missions from Japan and the United States, urging the WTO secretariat to intervene. The MOFA noted that Cameroon prioritized its diplomatic relations with China over the principles of multilateralism, which negatively impacted Taiwan's participation. On March 20, 2026, as a form of protest against this designation, Taiwan announced its decision to withdraw from the conference. In addition to condemning Cameroon, Taiwan refuted claims made by China regarding its role within the WTO. On March 25, 2026, Taiwan's MOFA expressed disapproval of China's assertion that adherence to the 'one China principle' was a requirement for Taiwan's participation in the WTO. The Ministry emphasized that Taiwan, as an autonomous separate customs territory, holds equal rights within the WTO framework under the Marrakesh Agreement. They stressed that Taiwan is a sovereign country and that neither it nor China is subordinate to the other. In light of these events, Taiwan's MOFA reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding its rights and dignity in multilateral organizations. They stated that only the government of Taiwan could represent its population of 23 million in international events and organizations. The ongoing situation highlights the complexity of Taiwan's international status and the geopolitical disagreements that continue to shape its diplomatic relationships. Taiwan remains focused on collaborating with like-minded nations to uphold the rules-based international order in trade and economics, while also striving to prevent similar diplomatic incidents from occurring in the future.