Beijing: China on Thursday lodged a formal protest with Fiji and pressed Japan for clarification after Taipei hosted several foreign envoys, including Fiji's ambassador to the UN, in a move Beijing says breaches the one-China principle. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated, "China has always firmly opposed any form of official exchanges between countries having diplomatic relations with China and the Taiwan region," following the visit of Fijian diplomat Filipo Tarakinikini to Taipei this week.

According to Anadolu Agency, Taiwan's top diplomat Lin Chia-lung wrote on US social media company X that he hosted UN envoys from the Marshall Islands, Paraguay, and Fiji, expressing gratitude to allies for supporting Taiwan's UN participation and looking forward to stronger ties with Fiji. Taiwan maintains formal ties with only 12 states, including the Marshall Islands and Paraguay, while Fiji recognizes Beijing and has diplomatic relations with China.

"The visit by the Fijian official to the Taiwan island severely violated Fiji's political commitment to the one-China principle. China deplores that and has protested to Fiji. The Taiwan regional authorities' despicable acts will not succeed," said Mao in Beijing. Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory under the one-China policy, whereas Taiwan has governed itself since 1949 and insists on its own political identity.

Mao also criticized Japan for awarding the Order of the Rising Sun to Hsieh Chang-ting, the former head of Taipei's representative office in Tokyo. "Awarding a medal to someone who advocates 'Taiwan independence' raises questions about Japan's intentions," Mao commented. "Does Japan mean to encourage and embolden separatists, and what kind of signal does it intend to send to the 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces?"

She further addressed US calls for Taiwan to be allowed full participation at next year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit hosted by China. "China will actively fulfill its duty as the host of APEC in 2026 and ensure the smooth participation of all sides. On Chinese Taipei's participation in APEC, I've clearly stated China's stance," she said. A day earlier, Mao emphasized that adherence to the one-China principle "is a political prerequisite for Taiwan to take part" in APEC next year.