Taiwan-China Relations

Taiwan-China Tensions Escalate at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau

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By Joseph Wu/Tiffany Wong

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Cross-Strait tensions are once again in focus at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, after representatives from Taiwan and China both attended Monday evening's opening ceremony. China’s special envoy threatened consequences over Taiwan’s participation, while Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung urged partners to replace confrontation with dialogue and coercion with consensus. Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr. also highlighted the importance of genuine partnerships and regional unity. With both Taiwanese and Chinese delegations in town, forum organizers face the challenge of keeping attention on the Pacific’s priorities.

China Tensions at Pacific Forum

REPORTER:  
Just one day into the annual Pacific Islands Forum in Palau and already, tensions between Taiwan and China are heating up. Beijing is threatening consequences over Taiwan’s high-profile presence at this year’s events, but Taiwan and its allies are pushing back.

REPORTER:  
It comes after a rare scene at Monday night’s opening ceremony, where Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung and a Chinese representative were both in attendance.

Taiwan has participated in the Pacific Islands Forum since 1993 as a development partner, a limited role that allows it to hold events on the sidelines.

Its presence has often sparked protests from China. But with this year’s forum being held in Palau, one of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies, Taipei has been given more room to engage with regional leaders and delegates.

Beijing has once again objected to Taiwan’s participation.

Qian Bo (CHINESE SPECIAL ENVOY FOR PACIFIC ISLAND AFFAIRS):  
Taiwan is not a dialogue partner for the forum, so we have serious concerns. We have made our concerns clear to the government of Palau and to the secretariat.  
This is objected by all. So this is it should not have happened. So we think it's very inappropriate to do so.

REPORTER:  
Taiwan’s Foreign Minister says that in keeping with the forum’s theme of unity, partners should “replace confrontation with dialogue, coercion with consensus, and build regional cooperation on a foundation of mutual respect.”

The US also reaffirmed its strong support for Taiwan’s participation in the forum.

And at the opening ceremony, Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr., who is chairing the forum, appeared to deliver a subtle message to regional partners.

Surangel Whipps Jr. (PALAUAN PRESIDENT):  
We welcome friends and genuine partnerships. Yet attention is not the same as respect. Our partners are welcome to sail with us, but they do not choose our destination.

REPORTER:  
Whipps also called for Pacific unity, as several key leaders are absent from this year’s gathering – a development some observers have speculated may be linked to China’s influence in the region.

REPORTER:  
While organizers hope to keep the spotlight on regional challenges, tensions between Taiwan and China are once again drawing attention. With both Taiwanese and Chinese delegations in town, the forum chair now faces the difficult task of keeping the conversation focused on the Pacific’s priorities.