Collin Beck, the permanent secretary of the Solomon Islands Foreign Affairs Ministry, emphasized the need for serious discussions regarding the inclusion of non-independent nations in the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). Beck pointed out that the PIF was initially created to include only independent countries, aligning with international law and the UN Charter.
New Caledonia’s entry as a full member in 2016 was permitted due to its ongoing decolonization process. Currently, there are discussions surrounding Guam and American Samoa’s applications for associate membership, which are set to be addressed by PIF leaders on Friday, considering both regions are US territories.
Guam’s Governor, Lou Leon Guerrero, expressed his ambition to achieve full membership in PIF. Dr. Tess Newton Cain from Griffith Asia Institute noted that granting associate membership to these territories may strengthen US influence in the region amid concerns over China.
Beck conveyed to reporters in Nuku’alofa that these issues are under consideration by regional leaders and affirmed Solomon Islands’ perspective on maintaining the integrity of the PIF, which has been defined by independent self-governing nations since its inception in 1971.
He remarked on the necessity to ensure that the definition of an intergovernmental organization aligns with international laws and the UN Charter, as he acknowledged the presence of non-independent countries within the forum.
As part of the ongoing review of the regional architecture, Beck suggested that the Pacific Community might need to reform to allow territories to have a political voice within it.
Robert Underwood, a former Guam congressman, stressed the importance of Guam being included in PIF discussions, arguing that inclusion would help the region understand Guam’s potential contributions. He pointed out that many in Guam feel that their membership application is crucial, not just to provide value to PIF, but also for Guam to fully engage in regional matters.
Underwood further expressed concern that PIF operates under various justifications for the exclusion of US territories, and suggested that the inclusion of territories like Guam and American Samoa would benefit both the region and Guam itself.