Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung has accused China of pursuing an increasingly aggressive diplomatic approach at this week’s Pacific Islands Forum, alleging that Chinese officials sought to disrupt Taiwan’s participation and engaged in suspected espionage during the event.
The annual forum, hosted by Palau, was overshadowed by a dispute over Taiwan’s presence after Beijing objected to Taipei attending the meeting and warned that there would be consequences.
Palau is one of only three Pacific Island nations that maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. China regards Taiwan as part of its territory and rejects its participation in international organisations as a separate country, while Taiwan rejects Beijing’s territorial claims.
Speaking to reporters in Taipei on Friday, Lin said China’s conduct at the summit had been unwelcome and risked damaging regional unity.
“This kind of Chinese ‘wolf warrior’ diplomacy actually easily undermines Pacific unity, and it is quite off-putting and disliked,” Lin said, noting that both Taiwan and China had been invited to participate as guests.
The term “wolf warrior” diplomacy refers to an increasingly forceful style of Chinese diplomacy, characterised by outspoken and confrontational statements by Chinese officials.
Lin accused Beijing of disregarding Palau’s role as host and attempting to exert undue influence over the gathering.
He cited China’s warning last month that Palau was an “unsafe travel destination”, saying such language was inappropriate and particularly troubling for Pacific island nations.
China’s Foreign Ministry had not immediately responded to a request for comment.
Lin also raised concerns about the presence of Chinese personnel at various locations associated with the forum, alleging that some were involved in espionage.
“We saw that at almost every venue or event, there was Chinese presence essentially engaging in a form of espionage,” Lin said.
He added that plain-clothes and security personnel were present at several locations he visited and praised Palau for strengthening security arrangements during the summit.
Lin said Taiwan remained determined to participate in the Pacific Islands Forum and expected to retain support from regional countries.
He argued that China’s increasingly assertive actions in the Pacific could strengthen sympathy for Taiwan, pointing to Beijing’s missile test in the Pacific in July.
“I believe the more China reveals its aggressive and domineering nature in the Pacific, the more it will generate support for Taiwan,” Lin said.
