China Warns of Consequences Over Taiwan's Presence at Pacific Summit

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Ngerulmud: China has warned of potential fallout after Taiwan’s foreign minister attended the 18-member Pacific Islands Forum hosted in Palau.

Beijing’s Pacific envoy, Qian Bo, stated that Taiwan’s involvement would bring consequences, while Chinese officials separately warned regional leaders against attending any side events featuring Taiwanese representatives. China claims self-ruled Taiwan as its own territory and opposes its official international engagement.

Palau, one of just three Pacific nations maintaining diplomatic ties with Taiwan, invited the island as an aid partner alongside China, the United States, and several other non-Pacific countries.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese dismissed Beijing’s warnings, asserting that external nations do not dictate the forum's agenda. Palau President Surangel Whipps echoed the call for regional unity, emphasizing that while international partners are welcome, they do not direct the Pacific family's path.

The annual summit brings together regional leaders to address shared challenges, including climate change, cross-border drug crime, and growing regional security concerns following a recent Chinese ballistic missile test in the Pacific Ocean.

Pic Credit: AFP