China Objects to Taiwan's Invitation to Pacific Islands Forum

China objects to Taiwan's invitation to Pacific Islands Forum

September 1

China has objected to the invitation extended to Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung to attend the Pacific Islands Forum meeting being held in Palau.

Australia and New Zealand, however, have responded that the guest list for the meeting will be decided by the Pacific Islands Forum itself.

Taiwan is not an official dialogue partner of the Pacific Islands Forum, but participates as a development partner. China, for its part, has stated that Taiwan is not at all qualified to take part in the Forum's activities.

"The Taiwanese authorities' covert arrangement for Lin Chia-lung and other Taiwanese separatists to visit in this manner is a futile attempt to draw attention, and the only consequence will be that they end up embarrassing themselves," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Gong Jian said at a regular press briefing on September 1.

Palau's President Surangel Whipps Jr., who is hosting this year's Forum, said at the opening ceremony: "Partners are welcome to journey with Palau, but they will not decide where Palau is headed."

Because China regards Taiwan as its territory, tensions between China and Taiwan have become a key issue at the annual meeting of the 18-member Pacific Islands Forum. Member states include Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific island nations.

Palau is one of the few Pacific nations that maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Among the Pacific Islands Forum's 21 dialogue partners are China, the United States, the European Union, Britain, Canada, India, and Japan.

Ref & Photo; Reuters

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