Australia said Tuesday the Pacific bloc will decide for itself who attends its annual summit, after China raised objections to Taiwan's presence on the sidelines.The 18-member Pacific Islands Forum is being hosted by Palau, which invited its diplomatic ally Taiwan to attend as an aid partner, along with China and other non-Pacific countries.
China's Pacific envoy Qian Bo told reporters on Monday there would be "consequences" for Taiwan foreign minister Lin Chia-lung's presence in Palau.
Beijing claims self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory.
Chinese officials have also warned Pacific leaders and ministers not to attend side events in Palau at which Taiwan is participating, a Pacific source at the meeting told AFP on condition of anonymity.
"This is primarily a gathering of Pacific family," Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told journalists when asked about the Chinese comments.
