Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry says its three Pacific allies, Tuvalu, the Marshall Islands, and Palau will not be attending this week's China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Xiamen, China.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hsiao Kuang-wei (蕭光偉) says that none of the allies were invited and confirmed that no officials will be taking part. The meeting is expected to include foreign ministers from 11 Pacific nations and the deputy secretary-general of the Pacific Islands Forum.
Taiwan recently hosted high-level visits from all three allies. In April, Tuvalu’s Deputy Prime Minister Panapasi Nelesone visited Taiwan, followed by a delegation led by the Marshall Islands' Justice, Immigration, and Labor Minister Wisely Zackhras in May. Last week, Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr. ended a visit to Taiwan, which the ministry says demonstrates the two countries' firm commitment to jointly promote sustainable development.