China warns of consequences for Taiwan’s presence at Pacific Islands Forum

3 hours ago The News Room

China’s top Pacific Islands diplomat has warned “there will always be consequences” for Taiwan’s strong presence at the annual Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders’ meeting in Palau.

Qian Bo, Beijing’s special envoy for Pacific Island Countries Affairs, denied his comments were a threat, but said China has “serious concerns” with Taiwan’s status as development partners at the forum.

“There will always be consequences. You know, this is objected to by all, so this should not have happened. We think it’s very inappropriate to do so,” he told Australian reporters while leaving the opening ceremony on Monday.

Neither China nor Taiwan are part of the 18-member group at the forum, but countries including the United States and China have traditionally been invited as dialogue partners. Taiwan has been categorised as a development partner since 1993 and is this year being represented by foreign minister Lin Chia-lung, along with a sizeable delegation.