The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Thursday urged the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) to allow Taiwan’s participation this year, following reports that it would be excluded from the event along with China and the US.
MOFA called on the PIF to “maintain its existing arrangements” and continue to admit Taiwan as a “development partner” at the annual gathering, which is a key political forum for Pacific island nations.
Taiwan has previously attended the PIF informally, taking part in side events alongside the forum, but has not joined the main leaders’ meetings.
Photo: AFP
Asked whether Taiwan’s delegation would even be permitted to travel to the Solomon Islands — the host of the PIF Leaders Meeting and Associated Meetings from Sept. 8 to 12 — MOFA declined to comment.
Reuters reported that Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele told parliament earlier this week that the PIF would not invite donor countries such as the US and China, with only the bloc’s 18 members, including Australia and New Zealand, taking part.
Manele said the decision was linked to an ongoing review of each country’s relationship with the Pacific.
However, opposition politician Peter Kenilorea Jr said the matter was “all about China and Taiwan.”
Reports since last year have said that Honiara — which switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 2019 — might seek to exclude Taiwan from participation under pressure from Beijing.
China has poached several of Taiwan’s Pacific allies over the past few years as part of a broader effort to isolate Taiwan diplomatically and expand its regional influence.
Of the PIF’s 18 members, only the Marshall Islands, Palau and Tuvalu have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
Taiwan has participated in PIF mechanisms since 1993 as a partner country and has made multiple donations to the bloc.
MOFA said it continues to seek cooperation with the PIF and its Pacific allies and to contribute to the development and prosperity of the region.
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