Collin Beck, the permanent secretary of the Solomon Islands’ foreign affairs ministry, has emphasized the necessity for serious discussions regarding the membership of non-independent nations in the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). Beck pointed out that the forum’s original membership guidelines were established for independent nations, aligning with international law and the UN Charter.
New Caledonia, which achieved full membership in 2016, did so under the premise of undergoing a decolonization process. With Guam and American Samoa seeking associate membership as US territories, the PIF leaders are set to make a decision on this matter on Friday.
Guam’s Governor Lou Leon Guerrero expressed a strong desire to attain full membership in the PIF, stating this as her primary objective. Dr. Tess Newton Cain, leading the Griffith Asia Institute’s Pacific Hub project, noted that granting associate membership to American Samoa and Guam could signify the US’s strategic positioning in relation to China.
Beck, speaking to the press in Nuku’aof, indicated that these concerns are under review by regional leaders. He mentioned that Solomon Islands holds a specific opinion on the issue and advocates for adherence to the foundational principles established in 1971, centered on sovereign self-governing nations. He stressed the importance of ensuring that intergovernmental organizations align with international law and the UN Charter.
“There are currently various countries, including non-independent nations, involved. The question remains whether we should reform the Pacific Community to allow territories a space for political dialogue and growth,” Beck added. A review of the regional organization’s structure is in progress but has not yet been finalized.
Earlier this month, former Guam congressman Robert Underwood emphasized to RNZ Pacific the importance of Guam’s inclusion in the discussions. He argued that it’s crucial not for what Guam can offer to others, but for Guam to recognize its own potential within the Pacific landscape. Nonetheless, he noted that many in Guam do not share this view, which he believes makes the push for PIF associate membership vital.
Underwood expressed that while some individuals claim Guam should be included due to its offerings, the focus should instead be on the benefits of being included for Guam itself, in terms of perspectives and engagement in regional activities. He criticized the PIF for excluding certain territories from discussions about the “Blue Pacific” initiative.
He also pointed out the perceived reluctance of the PIF to incorporate US territories like Guam and American Samoa, implying that they shouldn’t be viewed merely as extensions of US influence but as potential contributors in their own right. He concluded that associate membership would not only benefit the broader region but also invigorate Guam.