NEW DELHI: China has voiced strong objections to Taiwan’s participation in the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in Palau, warning that there would be “consequences” following Taiwan’s appearance at the forum’s opening ceremony.

China’s special envoy for Pacific island affairs, Qian Bo, said Beijing had “serious concerns” over the space being given to Taiwan at the regional gathering. He described Taiwan’s participation as inappropriate but said his comments about possible consequences were not intended as a threat.

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung attended the opening ceremony in Palau and is leading a delegation seeking to strengthen Taiwan’s development and economic ties with Pacific nations. Taiwan is not a formal dialogue partner of the PIF but has participated in the forum as a development partner.

The dispute has added to geopolitical tensions surrounding this year’s forum, which brings together Pacific island nations and dialogue partners including China, the United States, Japan and others. Australia and New Zealand have pushed back against Beijing’s position, saying the Pacific forum should determine for itself who attends.

The tensions come as China and Taiwan compete for diplomatic influence across the Pacific. Only Palau, Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands currently maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, while Beijing has expanded its economic and diplomatic engagement with Pacific island states.

The Taiwan issue threatens to overshadow discussions at the forum on regional priorities including climate change, economic development, maritime security and regional cooperation