China warns of ‘consequences’ over Taiwan presence at Pacific leaders meeting

China expressed serious concerns over Taiwan's participation at the annual Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, warning of potential consequences following the democratically governed island's attendance at the opening ceremony on Monday. The Chinese view Taiwan as its own territory, and tensions between China and Taiwan have been a recurring theme during the meeting, which aims to demonstrate regional unity.

China's special envoy for Pacific island affairs, Qian Bo, stated that "there will always be consequences" regarding Taiwan's involvement in the forum, without specifying what those consequences might be. China objected to Taiwan's attendance, describing it as inappropriate. Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that the Pacific Islands Forum is primarily a gathering of the Pacific family and not subject to instructions from outside countries.

New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters echoed Albanese's sentiments, reiterating that the group does not take directives from outside entities. Taiwan is invited to the forum as a development partner rather than a formal dialogue partner, similar to the US, EU, Britain, Canada, India, and Japan. China has reduced the number of Pacific Island countries with formal ties to Taipei, leaving only Palau, Tuvalu, and the Marshall Islands.

At the meeting of 18-member group, most leaders of Pacific Island nations were absent, with ministers attending in their place. Despite Australia being China's largest trading partner, Canberra has been cautious of Beijing's growing influence in the Pacific and has bolstered security and development ties with island nations to prevent a permanent Chinese military presence in the region.