Taiwan foreign minister decries Chinese 'bullying' at Pacific forum

International relationsChina's envoy to Pacific warned of 'consequences' if Taiwan is included in regional gatheringTaiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung speaks to reporters on the sidelines of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Koror, Palau, on Sept. 1. (Photo by Sophie Mak)SOPHIE MAKSeptember 1, 2026 19:59

Beijing-Taipei tensions a feature at meeting in Palau, with Australia and New Zealand saying the forum – not another country – will determine who attends China ⁠said it had serious concerns ⁠about Taiwan’s presence at ​the annual Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, warning of “consequences” after the democratically ruled i

Annual gathering of Indo-Pacific military leaders comes at a tense time in Canada-U.S. political relations, and while Ottawa seeks to improve relationship with Beijing.

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There are concerns tensions between China and Taiwan could explode into the open at this year's meeting, distracting from the key Pacific priorities.

PRAISE: ‘Taiwan is a reliable, like-minded and democratic partner that contributes significantly to prosperity ... across the Pacific,’ the US Department of State said By Su Yong-yao / Staff reporter, with CNA Add TT as Preferred Source The US backed Taiwan’s continued participation in the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) a