Pacific Islands Forum Alters Communique Amid China-Taiwan Dispute

The Pacific Islands Forum removed references to Taiwan from its communique following complaints from China. Taiwan condemned the decision, accusing China of interference. Despite the removal, Taiwan's status at the forum remains unchanged. China's envoy had lobbied for Taiwan's exclusion, insisting the initial inclusion was a mistake.

The Pacific Islands Forum has altered its communique to exclude references to Taiwan, following objections from China. This prompted an immediate outcry from Taipei, which condemned China's intervention as 'rude and unreasonable.'

The updated communique, released on Saturday, reaffirms decisions made during the 18-nation summit without directly impacting Taiwan's involvement. China's special envoy to the Pacific Islands, Sian Bo, had earlier lobbied for Taiwan's exclusion, calling its initial inclusion 'a mistake.'

The diplomatic dynamics are complex, as China considers Taiwan a province with no right to state-to-state relations, while Taiwan disputes this. Several Pacific Island nations maintain diplomatic ties with Taipei, even as China expands its influence through development funding and security presence.

(With inputs from agencies.)