China warns of 'consequences' over Taiwan presence at Pacific leaders meeting

China warned of "consequences" after Taiwan attended the Pacific Islands Forum opening, heightening China–Taiwan tensions at the summit.
Australia and New Zealand pushed back, saying the Forum decides participation and stressing Pacific unity and regional decision‑making.
Taiwan attended as a development partner (only Palau, Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands still formally back Taipei), while the U.S. and New Zealand announced a joint WWII‑port upgrade — underscoring strategic competition in the Pacific.