Pacific Islands Forum Alters Communique After Chinese Complaint

The Pacific Islands Forum removed references to Taiwan from a communique following complaints by China's envoy. China, a key lender and security influencer in the region, objected to the original wording. Taiwan, which maintains ties with some Pacific nations, faces diminishing influence as others shift allegiance to Beijing.

The Pacific Islands Forum has revised its communique, removing references to Taiwan after China's envoy voiced strong objections.

The initial document, released after the annual leaders meeting, mentioned Taiwan, which maintains diplomatic ties with three forum members. However, China, an influential lender and security presence in the region, reacted forcefully, prompting the retraction.

China's foreign ministry spokesperson called Taiwan's attempts to engage with the forum 'self-deceptive,' while Taiwan's diplomatic influence in the Pacific continues to wane, losing allies to Beijing's growing economic and security incentives.

(With inputs from agencies.)