China Warns of ‘Consequences’ Over Taiwan’s Participation in Pacific Leaders Summit

Beijing warned of “consequences” after Taiwanese officials attended the opening ceremony of a Pacific leaders summit in Palau on Monday, deepening tensions over Taiwan’s role in regional diplomacy.

On Monday, China’s Pacific envoy Qian Bo called the presence of Taiwanese officials “very inappropriate”, adding that “this should not have happened.” He did not specify what actions Beijing might take.

Taiwan, a self-governing territory since 1949, has faced increasing pressure from China as the latter claims political authority over the small island. Beijing has routinely opposed its participation in international gatherings that could suggest recognition of the territory as a separate state.

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, who attended the opening ceremony in Palau, rejected that position Tuesday. Lin argued that Taipei had participated in similar summits in the pa…