China warned of consequences after Taiwan attended the opening ceremony of the annual Pacific Islands Forum in Palau on Monday. ^[1] Qian Bo, China's special envoy for Pacific island affairs, stated that there will always be consequences for Taiwan's participation in the forum. ^[2] More than 17 tonnes of illicit cocaine and methamphetamine have been seized so far this year, up from 5.5 tonnes in 2025. ^[3] The Australian federal government is expected to invest $600 million in a new Pacific scheme designed to tackle the surge of drug smuggling into the region, including into Australia. ^[4] Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the Pacific Islands Forum determines its own agenda and is not subject to instructions from other countries. ^[5] China has reduced the number of Pacific Island countries with formal diplomatic ties to Taipei, leaving only three: Palau, Tuvalu, and the Marshall Islands. ^[6] New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters affirmed that the forum does not receive instructions from countries outside the group. ^[7] Qian Bo added that the presence of Taiwan at the event is very inappropriate and should not have happened. ^[8] Lin Chia-lung said his country was 'honoured to serve as a partner in the Pacific, continuing to stand with everyone and work together to make the Pacific more prosperous and peaceful'. ^[9] Qian Bo stated, 'There will always be consequences,' without specifying the nature of the consequences, and denied the remarks were a threat. ^[10] The new plan is designed to bolster the 'Waqa Moana' initiative aimed at improving surveillance of the vast Pacific Ocean to intercept smuggling vessels and narco subs. ^[11]