China – Taiwan tensions erupt over diplomats’ fight in Fiji

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) –  Longstanding tensions between China and Taiwan have erupted over a physical fight between their diplomats in Fiji.

Taiwan alleges two Chinese embassy officials gate-crashed an event to celebrate their national day earlier this month – claims Beijing disputes.

Both sides say their officials were injured in the fight, and have asked Fiji police to investigate.

China regards Taiwan as a breakaway province but Taiwan’s leaders argue it is a sovereign state.

Relations between the two are frayed and there is the constant threat of a violent flare up that could drag in the US, an ally of Taiwan.