Tensions between China and Taiwan have featured prominently at the annual Pacific Islands Forum in Palau. The meeting, which is intended to demonstrate regional unity, became a focal point of diplomatic friction after the host nation, Palau, invited Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung to attend meetings, side events, and the opening ceremony on Monday.
China, which views Taiwan as its own territory, voiced strong opposition to Taiwan's participation. Beijing's envoy expressed serious concerns regarding Taiwan's presence at the conference and warned of unspecified consequences.
In response to these tensions, Australia and New Zealand stated that the forum itself, rather than another country, determines who attends. For Taipei, the invitation to the forum represents one of its few remaining avenues for international exposure.