China-Taiwan friction clouds Pacific summit
The 18-member Pacific Islands Forum is being hosted by Palau, which invited its diplomatic ally Taiwan to attend as an aid partner, alongside China and other non-Pacific countries.
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has dismissed China's claim that Taiwan's presence at the Pacific Islands Forum is unsafe for travelers. The 18-member Pacific Islands Forum, currently hosted by Palau, invited Taiwan as an aid partner, along with several other non-Pacific countries. China views Taiwan as part of its territory.
Chinese Pacific envoy Qian Bo threatened consequences for Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung's attendance in Palau, where Taiwan is participating in side events. Despite China's warnings, the Pacific Islands Forum determines its own course, Albanese affirmed. Palau, one of only three Pacific islands with diplomatic ties to Taiwan, rejected China's claims about its safety.
Five forum members will not attend this year's gathering, sending lower-ranked ministers instead. The summit aims to address issues like drug crime and climate change, with Taiwan among the invited aid partners.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
