PACIFIC – The leaders of five Micronesian states have called on the Pacific Islands Forum to recognise Taiwan and China as equals at its meetings.

It comes after China, which claims sovereignty over Taiwan, reportedly sought exclusive recognition from the Pacific Islands Forum.

The presence of Chinese diplomats at last year’s Pacific Islands Forum summit sparked controversy, with hosts Nauru accusing them of speaking out of turn.

Now, the Presidents of Palau, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru and Kiribati have questioned the forum’s treatment of Taiwan.

In a joint communiqué signed after the Micronesian Presidents’ Summit in Palau last week, the five leaders “strongly encouraged” the forum to establish a more respectful and fair policy towards Taiwan’s participation.

- RNZP