Anthony Albanese dodges China criticism over Taiwan threats at Pacific Islands Forum in Palau

The Prime Minister has refused to criticise China’s threatening behaviour towards Australia’s neighbours as Pacific leaders gather for annual talks in the “paradise of Palau” along with representatives invited from Taiwan.

Beijing has warned there will be “consequences” for Taiwan’s presence at this year’s Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders meeting after the democratic island’s foreign minister appeared at the event’s opening ceremony overnight.

China’s Pacific envoy Qian Bo said his nation had “serious concerns” about the space being given to Taiwan, although he insisted Beijing had the “understanding and support” of most Pacific nations.

“Taiwan is not a dialogue partner with the forum so we have serious concerns,” he told reporters after the opening ceremony.

“We have made our position very clear to the government of Palau and the secretariat.”

Asked on Tuesday whether he believed China was bullying the event’s host nation, Anthony Albanese repeatedly dodged questions on the matter and refused to criticise Beijing’s actions.

“This is this is a paradise here in Palau, and one of the things that is obvious as you’ve been walking around here is how friendly and how peaceful this place is,” Mr Albanese told reporters.

This year leaders from Vanuatu, Kiribati, the Solomon Islands, Fiji and Samoa have all pulled out of participating in the PIF, but Mr Albanese declined to comment on concerns China was pressuring them not to attend.

“I’m focused on members of the Pacific family. And that is precisely the meetings that I have scheduled here. And I think this is primarily a gathering of the Pacific family, the members of the Pacific Islands Forum. And I look forward to the engagement,” Mr Albanese added..

“From time to time, the Pacific Islands Forum has had issues with people not participating. Everyone’s participating at this forum … there is a presence here. And everyone is focused on outcomes at this forum.

“I’m Australia’s spokesperson, and I’m speaking on behalf of Australia.”

Pressed on whether it was appropriate for China to make threats because of the invitation given to Taiwan, Mr Albanese responded: “the Pacific Islands Forum determines what happens here, not any other country”.