China's ambassador to Fiji Qian Bo has blasted Nauru saying Beijing's delegates were disrespected at last week's meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum.
Fiji media report Mr Qian convened a fiery press conference in Suva yesterday after the meeting which saw controversy over visas for China's representatives and Nauru reprimanding them for a breach of protocol.
National flags in Nauru for the Pacific Islands Forum. Photo: New Zealand Herald/Jason Oxenham
At the close of the Forum meeting the Nauruan president Baron Waqa said he would be demanding an apology from China.
Nauru is one six Pacific island NATIONs which recognise Taiwan over Beijing.
The ambassador said just before the meeting Nauru had revoked visas for some in the Chinese delegation with the excuse that it has no diplomatic relations with China.
Delegation members were made to reapply not using their diplomatic passports.
Mr Qian said this should not be an obstacle to participating in international conferences.
He said Nauru should reflect on its behaviour towards the Chinese delegation and apologise to all Forum countries and partners including China.
Nauru President Baron Waqa Photo: supplied