China warns Pacific Islands diplomat not to sour ties over Taiwan

China has cautioned a senior Pacific Islands diplomat against damaging relations with China over Taiwan, following the diplomat's announcement that Taiwan would participate in an upcoming regional meeting. The Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, set to be hosted by Palau, will bring together the leaders of the region's 15 member states from August 30 to September 4. However, Taiwan's participation in the meeting was barred last year due to Beijing's objections, which claim sovereignty over Taiwan.

Baron Waqa, the secretary-general of the Pacific Islands Forum, revealed on Friday that Taipei would be attending this year's event, despite the ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China. In response to a query from the Associated Press, China's foreign ministry urged the Pacific Islands Forum secretary to strictly follow the "one-China principle," handle Taiwan-related issues appropriately, and avoid harming the friendly and stable development of China-FORUM ties.

China firmly opposes Taiwan's participation in international organizations and its interactions with other countries.

Several Pacific Islands Forum members, including Nauru, Kiribati, and Solomon Islands, severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 2019. The latter country even prevented Taiwan from attending the Forum meeting it hosted last year, resulting in all external countries being disinvited. Despite this, Palau remains one of Taiwan's 12 remaining diplomatic partners. Taiwan, while not a dialogue partner with the Forum, maintains regular engagement with its members.