Collin Beck, the permanent secretary of the Solomon Islands’ foreign affairs ministry, emphasized the necessity for serious discussions regarding the potential inclusion of non-independent nations in the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). Beck pointed out that the PIF was originally established for independent countries, aligning with international law and the UN Charter. He noted that New Caledonia gained full membership in 2016 based on its ongoing decolonization process.
The debate has arisen over the applications from Guam and American Samoa for associate membership, particularly as both are U.S. territories. The PIF leaders are set to make a decision regarding these requests on Friday. Guam’s Governor Lou Leon Guerrero expressed his ambition of becoming a full member of the PIF.
Dr. Tess Newton Cain, the project lead for Griffith Asia Institute’s Pacific Hub, mentioned that granting associate membership to Guam and American Samoa could be perceived as a strategy for the U.S. to strengthen its influence in the region amid increasing Chinese engagement.
In a recent press conference in Nuku’alofa, Beck stated that these issues are currently being reviewed by PIF leaders, indicating that Solomon Islands has specific views on the matter. Beck emphasized the importance of maintaining the foundational principles established in 1971 that focused on sovereign self-governing nations, to ensure compliance with international law and the UN Charter.
He acknowledged that the current membership includes non-independent countries and raised questions about reforming the Pacific Community (SPC) to provide a politically relevant forum for these territories to engage and learn.
Former Guam congressman Robert Underwood stressed the importance of Guam’s presence in these discussions, arguing that it is essential for Guam to recognize its potential within the Pacific region. He criticized the notion that Guam should seek membership simply to contribute to PIF, suggesting instead that inclusion would enhance Guam’s understanding and participation in regional matters.
Underwood noted that while there are varied opinions about Guam’s role, the push for PIF associate membership remains crucial, as it could lead to mutual benefits for both Guam and the broader Pacific community.