China's Envoy Was Disrespectful in Push to Exclude Taiwan, Palauan President Says

Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr. stated that a Chinese diplomat disrespected his country during a contentious meeting concerning Taiwan’s participation in a regional summit. The incident occurred at an earlier Pacific Islands Forum event in Suva, Fiji, where China’s special envoy insisted on meeting Whipps. This confrontation took place as Palau prepares to host the Pacific Islands Forum’s leaders’ meeting.

• Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr. alleges a Chinese diplomat exhibited disrespect towards Palau.
• The alleged disrespect occurred during a tense meeting regarding Taiwan’s potential participation in a regional summit.
• The incident took place at a previous Pacific Islands Forum event in Suva, Fiji.
• China’s special envoy for Pacific island countries’ affairs, Qian Bo, insisted on meeting Whipps.
• Palau is set to host the upcoming leaders’ meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum.