Pacific Leaders Push Back as China Objects to Taiwan's Forum Presence

China objected to Taiwan's participation in events surrounding the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, saying the self-governing island was not qualified to take part.

Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung attends events surrounding the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau despite China's objections to Taiwan's participation. [Photo: Pacific Islands Forum Facebook]

Australia and New Zealand, however, said the Pacific bloc would determine its own participation and would not take instructions from outside countries. 

The dispute unfolded during the annual meeting of the 18-member Pacific Islands Forum, which is being hosted by Palau. China regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly opposed Taiwan's participation in international organizations and gatherings.

Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. defended his country's authority to determine its relationships and participation at the summit.

In a speech, he said: “Our partners are welcome to sail with us, but they do not choose our destination.” 

Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung attended the forum's opening ceremony and participated in meetings and side events. Taiwan is not a formal dialogue partner of the Pacific Islands Forum; it is registered as a development partner.

China, the United States, the European Union, Britain, Canada, India and Japan are among the forum's 21 dialogue partners. 

China's Pacific envoy Qian Bo said Taiwan's presence was inappropriate and warned that there would be “consequences,” without specifying what they would be.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun separately said Taiwan was not qualified to participate in forum activities. 

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Pacific Islands Forum determines its own affairs and described the gathering as a meeting of the “Pacific family.”

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters similarly said the forum does not take instructions from countries outside the group. 

The confrontation highlights the growing geopolitical competition involving China, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand and the United States in the Pacific, although Pacific leaders have repeatedly sought to keep the forum focused on regional priorities such as climate change, development and economic resilience.