19 Oct 2020

Taiwanese diplomat hospitalised in Fiji after stoush with Chinese

10:57 pm on 19 October 2020

A Taiwanese diplomat ended up in hospital in Fiji's capital following a stoush involving Chinese diplomats.

The city centre in Suva, Fiji.

The city centre in Suva, Fiji. Photo: Copyright: ymgerman / 123RF Stock Photo

According to Reuters two Chinese diplomats tried to force their way into a Taiwan national day reception in Suva earlier this month.

Taiwan's foreign ministry said the Chinese diplomats sought to take photos and collect information on who was attending its event.

Violence ensued after Taiwanese diplomats tried to prevent the Chinese from entering.

A Taiwanese diplomat was sent to hospital with a head injury.

China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, has objected to Taiwan's efforts to forge formal diplomatic relations with Pacific countries.

Taiwan has diplomatic ties with four Pacific countries: Nauru, Tuvalu, Palau and the Marshall Islands.

Beijing says Taiwan is a province of China, with no right to full ties with foreign countries.