China Taiwan Rift Overshadows Pacific Islands Forum in Palau

The Pacific Islands Forum, currently underway in Palau, has been overshadowed by renewed friction between China and Taiwan. Beijing’s foreign ministry said Taiwan has no standing to take part in forum activities, criticizing the island’s delegation for using the event to seek attention. Palau, one of only three Pacific nations still maintaining formal ties with Taipei, invited Taiwan’s foreign minister for side meetings alongside the main summit.

Australia and New Zealand Push Back

Australian and New Zealand leaders said Pacific nations, not outside powers, should decide who attends their gathering, framing the forum as a family matter for the region itself.

Several Pacific Leaders Skip the Summit

Notably, heads of government from a handful of island nations stayed away this year, sending junior ministers instead, a trend some officials suspect may be linked to outside pressure.

Separately, New Zealand and the United States confirmed plans to upgrade a historic World War Two era port facility in the Cook Islands.