Pacific Islands Forum Alters Taiwan Status After Pressure

Following pressure from China, the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) reissued its annual summit communique, removing references to Taiwan as a 'development partner,' a status it has held since 1992. The original document had reaffirmed Taiwan's participation, but was taken down and revised after China's envoy, Qian Bo, criticized the inclusion as a 'mistake' that needed correction. Despite this, Taiwan continues to support the region, recently signing a cooperation agreement with the PIF Secretariat extending until 2027. Taiwan condemned China's intervention as undermining regional peace and stability. This diplomatic tussle reflects the ongoing tensions between China and Taiwan, especially following the election of Taiwan's pro-independence President Lai Ching-te.