- China warned of 'consequences' regarding Taiwan's presence at the Pacific Islands Forum, stating it was 'very inappropriate' for Taiwan to attend the opening ceremony in Palau on August 31.
- Qian Bo, China's special envoy for Pacific island affairs, stated that 'there will always be consequences' for Taiwan attending the event, although he did not specify what those consequences would be.
- Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that 'the Pacific Islands Forum determines what happens here', asserting the forum's independence from external influence in response to China's remarks.
- New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters echoed Albanese's sentiment, stating that the forum does not take instructions from countries outside of it.
- Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung expressed that Taiwan is 'honoured to serve as a partner in the Pacific', emphasizing collaboration for a prosperous and peaceful region.
China has voiced serious concerns regarding Taiwan's participation in the Pacific Islands Forum held in Palau, warning of unspecified 'consequences.'12
Qian Bo, China's special envoy for Pacific island affairs, stated, "There will always be consequences," but did not elaborate on what these might entail. He criticized Taiwan's attendance, saying, "This is objected to by all, so this should not have happened. We think it's very inappropriate to do so."34
In contrast, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the forum's independence, asserting, "The Pacific Islands Forum determines what happens here, not any other country." He emphasized the gathering's significance, stating, "This is primarily a gathering of the Pacific family ... and I look forward to the engagement."
New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters echoed this sentiment, affirming that the forum does not take directives from external nations.78
Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung expressed pride in Taiwan's role, stating, "Taiwan is honoured to serve as a partner in the Pacific, continuing to stand with everyone and work together to make the Pacific more prosperous and peaceful."
China has been reducing the number of Pacific Island nations with formal ties to Taiwan, with only three remaining: Palau, Tuvalu, and the Marshall Islands. Notably, leaders from Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Kiribati did not attend the forum, which includes 18 member nations.
“Qian Bo said 'It's not a threat' but did not specify what the consequences would be. Only three Pacific nations—Palau, Tuvalu, and the Marshall Islands—still have formal ties with Taiwan, while leaders of Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Kiribati skipped the gathering.”
The Guardian
