The Pacific's Gentle Giant Takes on Beijing The recent Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Palau was a low key affair, but its significance should not be underestimated.
China's special envoy Qian Bo made headlines when he lashed out at Taiwan's strong presence at the gathering, threatening "consequences" for any country that dared to defy Beijing.
Beneath this petty squabble lies a more profound reality: the Pacific Islands are pushing back against China's attempts to exert its influence over the region.