China warned of consequences for Taiwan after officials from Beijing and Taipei attended a ceremonial event at the Pacific Islands Forum summit in Koror, Palau. ^[1] China's Pacific Envoy Qian Bo told reporters in Koror that the presence of Taiwanese officials was very inappropriate and stated there would always be consequences. ^[2] Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. hosted joint events with Taiwan's representative, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, and placed the envoys from Beijing and Taipei in the same row during the opening ceremony. ^[3] Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung rejected the suggestion that his participation was illegitimate, accusing Beijing of dividing the region and blaming problems on others. ^[4] Spokesperson Guo Jiakun of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Taiwan is not a partner for the Forum's dialogue or development and therefore has no basis to participate. ^[5] Taiwan's foreign minister Lin Chia-lung rejected claims that his participation was illegitimate and accused China of creating divisions in the region. ^[6] Palau is one of just 12 countries worldwide to recognize Taiwan, which has drawn ire from Beijing and prompted warnings that China would oppose Taiwanese officials' participation in the summit. ^[7] Palau's President Surangel Whipps Jr. stated that the Pacific is the home of small island nations, not a theater for geopolitical competition, and urged major powers not to interfere in talks focused on climate change and struggling economies. ^[8]