As the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)—a grouping of 18 nations including Pacific island countries, Australia, and New Zealand—decided to invite Taiwan to its upcoming summit later this month, China has pushed back, demanding adherence to the "One China" principle.

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry on the 12th, spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated in a Q&A-style release published on the ministry's website the previous day that "China's position on the issue of Taiwan's participation in international organization activities is consistent and clear," adding that it "must be handled in accordance with the 'One China' principle."

He further argued that "this is a basic norm of international relations affirmed by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 and a universal consensus of the international community."

"China urges the PIF Secretariat to abide by the 'One China' principle and properly handle Taiwan-related issues to avoid affecting the healthy and stable development of relations between China and the Forum," he added.

Previously, PIF Secretary General Baron Waqa stated on the 7th (local time) that "Taiwan is a very important development cooperation partner" and announced that Taiwan is scheduled to attend the summit.

Taiwan is reportedly planning to form a high-level delegation to attend the summit.

The issue of Taiwan's participation in the PIF has emerged as a sensitive issue amid intersecting diplomatic rivalries between China and Taiwan.

Last year, the PIF also attempted to invite Taiwan to the summit, but the plan fell through after the host country, Solomon Islands, objected in consideration of its relations with China.

In contrast, this year's summit is being held in Palau, one of Taiwan's 12 diplomatic allies, which has reportedly enabled Taiwan's participation.

The South Pacific is evaluated as a region of high geopolitical value, as it sits on major maritime transportation routes connecting Asia and the Americas and is rich in seafloor and fishery resources.

While it has traditionally been a region of strong U.S. and Australian influence, as U.S.-China strategic competition has intensified, China has also rapidly expanded its relations with Pacific island nations by leveraging large-scale infrastructure investments and economic aid.

During this process, Pacific island countries that previously maintained diplomatic ties with Taiwan have successively established diplomatic relations with China, bringing changes to the diplomatic landscape of the region.

Solomon Islands and Kiribati severed ties with Taiwan and established diplomatic relations with China in 2019, while Nauru also cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan and established relations with China in 2024.

Consequently, the number of Pacific island countries maintaining official diplomatic relations with Taiwan has decreased to three: Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu.

(Photo: Capture from PIF website, Yonhap News)