Samoa’s caretaker Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, has expressed her country’s reservations about attending the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in Honiara if Taiwan is excluded from the discussions. This issue arises amidst a regional tension regarding Taiwan’s participation, with the Solomon Islands and other China-aligned countries pushing for its exclusion.
Prime Minister Mata’afa underlined that any change to the established practice of allowing Taiwan to engage in dialogues at the Forum would make it challenging for Samoa to join the meeting. She emphasized that the leaders’ previous agreements to include Taiwan in discussions have guided the Forum’s operations since the issue was first raised.
Over the last five years, there has been an intensified effort from China to diminish Taiwan’s presence in the region. The Pacific Islands Forum members have historically welcomed Taiwan as a dialogue partner, granting it access to participate alongside other members. “A change in our dialogue program concerning Taiwan could present a significant barrier to our attendance,” Mata’afa noted.
Her comments echo the sentiments expressed by other Pacific leaders, including those from the Marshall Islands, who have warned that the potential exclusion of Taiwan reflects external influences that threaten the Forum’s integrity. Given the Forum’s history of inclusivity, many leaders advocate for preserving Taiwan’s representation, citing the importance of standing firm against pressures that may compromise the organization’s coherence.
Similar concerns were voiced by Solomon Islands Opposition MP Peter Kenilorea Jr., who pointed out the ongoing conversations about Taiwan’s visa denial to attend the Forum, aligning with worries about the Solomon Islands’ pivot toward Chinese diplomacy since its 2019 switch in recognition from Taiwan to China.
The growing dialogue emphasizes regional solidarity as Pacific nations gear up for the Forum. Leaders from Palau and Tuvalu also highlight the necessity of Taiwan’s active involvement to foster collaborative responses to pressing issues such as climate change and sustainable development.
As regional dynamics shift, the hope remains that Pacific nations can navigate these challenges while upholding their commitment to democratic values and inclusivity. A unified approach can potentially reinforce the collaborative spirit that has historically characterized the Pacific Islands Forum, providing a resilient framework that empowers all nations involved.
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