China Issues Stern Warning Over Taiwan’s Participation in Pacific Islands Forum
POLICY WIRE — Palau, Pacific Islands — China has expressed grave concerns over Taiwan’s attendance at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in Palau, cautioning of potential repercussions....
POLICY WIRE — Palau, Pacific Islands — China has expressed grave concerns over Taiwan’s attendance at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in Palau, cautioning of potential repercussions. Taiwan’s Foreign Minister, Lin Chia-lung, was invited by Palau, one of the few Pacific nations maintaining diplomatic ties with Taiwan instead of Beijing.
China’s Pacific envoy, Qian Bo, declared that there would be consequences for Taiwan’s presence. Beijing regards Taiwan as an integral part of its territory and has cautioned Pacific leaders against participating in side events where Taiwan is involved.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese asserted that the PIF, comprising 18 members, has the autonomy to determine its attendees. He dismissed China’s travel advisory, labeling Palau as a paradise.
This year’s forum will see five leaders sending lower-ranked ministers in their stead. The summit aims to address drug crime and climate change collaboratively. Palau’s President, Surangel Whipps, emphasized Pacific unity and the forum’s independence in decision-making.
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The forum has invited various aid partners, including China, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, Britain, and the United States. The event has become a platform for major powers to vie for influence through infrastructure investments. One contentious issue is China’s recent ballistic missile test near Tuvalu, a Taiwan ally, which Albanese condemned as unfriendly.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
