China: China on Tuesday urged the Pacific Islands Forum to "abide by the one-China principle" and "properly handle Taiwan-related issues," after the forum's chief said that Taiwan would attend an annual summit in Palau next month.

According to Anadolu Agency, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that Taiwan's participation in international organizations' events "must be handled in accordance with the one-China principle, which is a basic norm in international relations confirmed by UNGA (UN General Assembly) Resolution 2758 and a prevailing international consensus."

Beijing "urges the Secretariat of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) to abide by the one-China principle and properly handle Taiwan-related issues to avoid disrupting the sound and steady development of the relations between China and the PIF," Guo added.

The forum's Secretary General Baron Waqa last week mentioned that an official from Taiwan will attend the August 30 to September 4 event, according to Taiwan News. Taiwan has been a development partner of the forum since 1993, but was not invited last year by the summit host, the Solomon Islands, while China was present.

The Solomon Islands, Kiribati, and Naoero, all members of the PIF, have switched relations to Beijing in the past, with Naoero being the latest to sever ties with Taiwan in 2024, reducing the number of Taiwan's diplomatic allies to 12.

The PIF comprises 18 members: Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Naoero, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu are among the few allies of Taiwan. China views Taiwan as its "breakaway" province, while Taipei asserts its independence.