Taiwan seeks official Pacific Forum recognition
Updated
Taiwan's foreign ministry says it plans to propose membership of the Pacific Islands Forum next year.
Taiwanese officials were reportedly angered by last month's post-Forum Dialogue when they were forced to meet on the sidelines of the main forum.
Taiwan has attended the Pacific Island Forum since 1993 but has only been able to have dialogue on the sidelines of the meeting.
Last month officials were forced to hold meetings at a motel several kilometres from the main forum.
Foreign Ministry spokesman, Harry Chen, says Taiwan wants official recognition at the Forum, which meets in Australia next year.
"Not to apply as a member but maybe we can apply as an observer," he said.
"We just want to attend this Forum and to devote ourselves to the Forum, indeed to those people in that area."
