Observers say the ‘pragmatic compromise’ aims to create space for Pacific-only dialogue and stop geopolitics from tearing the PIF apart
Announcing the move earlier this month, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele confirmed that 21 donor nations would be excluded from the annual summit of the 18-member Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), which the Solomon Islands will host from September 8 to 12.
The decision reportedly follows pressure from Beijing to prevent Taiwan’s participation.
Beijing regards Taiwan as a breakaway province, to be reunified by force if necessary. While most countries, including the US, do not formally recognise Taiwan as a sovereign state, many oppose any use of force against the self-governed island.
The issue of who can attend the PIF is inherently divisive, according to Sione Tekiteki, a senior lecturer at Auckland University of Technology’s Law School.
