Tuvalu’s prime minister, Feletei Teo, has said his country may withdraw from next month’s Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in Honiara, after host nation Solomon Islands barred all external partners – including China, the United States and Taiwan – from attending.
The annual gathering, scheduled for September, has traditionally included “dialogue partners” since 1989, and Taiwan has participated as a development partner for more than three decades. Solomon Islands’ decision, announced on 7 August, has fuelled speculation it was aimed at excluding Taiwan, amid Beijing’s growing influence in the region.
Teo, whose country is one of only three Pacific nations that maintain diplomatic ties with Taiwan, expressed disappointment at the last-minute exclusion. “The region does not need these kinds of distractions,” he said, adding that he would wait to see how other leaders respond before deciding on his attendance.
“There is no denying that China is trying to extend its footprint in the Pacific, and so is the US,” Teo said. “We do need their development assistance, but we do not need the competition and conflict overshadowing our development agenda.” Teo said he “won’t be surprised” if China was behind the move, and has written to Solomon Islands prime minister Jeremiah Manele outlining concerns.
The United States also expressed disappointment, reaffirming support for the attendance of all partners, including Taiwan. Taiwan urged that existing arrangements be maintained. Palau, another Taiwan ally and future forum host, said it respects Solomon Islands’ decision, allowing members to focus on intra-regional issues.
