A visa row between China and host nation Nauru almost derailed the Pacific’s largest annual diplomatic summit, it emerged Tuesday, exposing sensitivities about Beijing’s rising influence in the region.

As formal discussions began at the 18-nation Pacific Islands Forum, leaked letters revealed some members threatened to boycott the meeting over Nauru’s treatment of Chinese delegates.

Nauru does not have diplomatic relations with China, instead recognising self-ruled Taiwan, which has paid for much of the infrastructure being used to host the PIF summit.