The Chinese Embassy in Tonga has pushed back at claims that China is meddling in the Pacific Islands Forum, saying such reports are false and misleading as the Pacific prepares for the Leaders’ Meeting in the Solomon Islands. The embassy stressed that China has not excluded itself from Forum dialogue and has always supported Pacific Island Countries through cooperation and mutual respect. It noted that China has participated in every Forum dialogue since the mechanism was established and continues to view the Forum as a platform to back development in the region.
On the Taiwan issue, the embassy reiterated that Taiwan is not a sovereign state and has never been a dialogue partner or observer of the Forum. It said past references to Taiwan in Forum communiques were mistakes that needed correction, adding that the Forum Troika had already agreed to delete Taiwan-related content from last year’s communique. China welcomed that decision and described it as appropriate. The embassy urged all parties to respect the one-China principle, stop spreading false information, and support unity in the Pacific, accusing unnamed countries of using Taiwan to divide the region and distract from development goals.
Context and added value:
– The stance comes amid broader regional debates over Taiwan’s participation in Forum activities, with various leaders stressing the importance of inclusive dialogue to address climate resilience, development, and regional security.
– In related coverage, several Pacific leaders have warned that excluding Taiwan could fracture regional unity and undermine the Forum’s legitimacy, highlighting the tension between upholding regional practices and navigating growing great-power influence.
– Other statements linked to the region’s diplomacy have emphasized development-focused engagement, including infrastructure and economic cooperation, while reiterating commitments to the One-China policy and peaceful regional cooperation.
Outlook and analysis:
– The embassy’s message reinforces a development-centric, unity-focused framing for Pacific diplomacy, which could help keep discussions on climate resilience and sustainable development at the forefront.
– The ongoing debate about Taiwan’s role in the Forum remains a litmus test for regional solidarity and the balance between sovereignty, inclusivity, and external influence. Observers will be watching how leaders navigate these sensitivities at the upcoming Leaders’ Meeting and in subsequent communiques.
Key takeaways:
– China denies any intention to interfere and asserts ongoing support for PICs through cooperation.
– Taiwan is not considered a sovereign state or Forum participant; past references are to be corrected.
– The one-China principle is emphasized, with calls to stop misinformation and uphold regional unity.
– The broader regional discourse continues to wrestle with Taiwan’s participation and the influence of external powers, while prioritizing development and the Pacific Way of consensus and mutual respect.
Summary note:
– The Chinese stance aims to reassure Pacific partners of a non-coercive, development-focused approach, even as the Forum grapples with ongoing debates over Taiwan’s participation and broader geopolitical dynamics in the region. Positive momentum rests on maintaining inclusive dialogue, regional resilience, and shared progress on climate and development goals.
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