Taiwan official in hospital after alleged 'violent attack' by Chinese diplomats in Fiji

Alleged incident, which comes amid soaring tensions between Beijing and Taipei occurred at a reception in Suva to mark Taiwan's national day

A fight between Chinese diplomats and a Taiwanese delegate in Fiji left the Taiwanese official in hospital with a head injury, and has again highlighted tensions between Beijing and Taipei in their struggle for influence across the Pacific.

The incident took place at a Taipei Trade Office reception at Suva's Grand Pacific Hotel on 8 October, to mark Taiwan's national day. Two officials from the Chinese embassy in Suva allegedly arrived uninvited and tried to photograph and film those in attendance, including at least two ministers from Fiji's government, diplomats from other countries, international and local NGOs, and members of Fiji's ethnic Chinese community, sources at the event told the Guardian.