China warns Pacific Islands diplomat not to sour ties over Taiwan

China has issued a stern warning to the top diplomat of the Pacific Islands Forum, urging him to "avoid affecting the healthy and stable development of ties" after he indicated Taiwan would attend the regional bloc's annual leaders' meeting in 2026. Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory and opposes its participation in international organizations.

The island nation was notably excluded from the 2025 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting following objections from China. Baron Waqa, the forum's secretary-general, informed reporters on August 7 that Taipei would indeed be present in 2026. In response, China's foreign ministry stated on August 11 that "China urges the Pacific Islands Forum secretary to strictly adhere to the one-China principle, properly handle Taiwan-related issues and avoid affecting the healthy and stable development of ties between China and the Forum."

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China urges the Pacific Islands Forum secretary to strictly adhere to the one-China principle, properly handle Taiwan-related issues and avoid affecting the healthy and stable development of ties between China and the Forum.

Several Pacific Island nations, including Nauru, Kiribati, and the Solomon Islands, have severed diplomatic ties with Taipei since 2019. The Solomon Islands, which hosted the meeting in 2025, blocked Taiwan's attendance, leading to a blanket disinvitation for all external countries despite the island states' reliance on foreign aid and investment.

Palau, set to host the 2026 event from August 30 to September 4, is one of Taiwan's remaining 12 diplomatic partners. Waqa emphasized Taiwan's significance, telling reporters last week after ministerial meetings in Fiji, "Taiwan is a very important development partner. It is not a dialogue partner, however it engages with members of our forum family." Palau, along with Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands, are current diplomatic allies of Taiwan.

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Taiwan is a very important development partner. It is not a dialogue partner, however it engages with members of our forum family.