New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has accused China of being “too clever by half” in response to Beijing’s denial of involvement in this year’s Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Honiara. The accusation followed a post from China’s embassy in Tonga that challenged suggestions of interference, even as questions persisted about whether Beijing influenced the Solomon Islands’ decision to exclude 21 dialogue partners from the upcoming leaders’ summit and to limit Taiwan’s participation.
“Well, no one accused them of interference, so why did they name themselves?” Peters told Pacific Mornings, offering a pointed rebuke to the Chinese stance. He added: “Sometimes you can be too clever by half. Go back and look at that one day, proceeding, and find out and ask yourself, who named China?”
Peters spoke in Suva, where he had just attended the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting. There, he said member countries were unhappy with the exclusion of the 21 dialogue partners and Taiwan, and he warned against a repeat of such moves in the future. He expressed confidence that next year’s meeting would proceed with the correct quorum and the right invitees, free from outside interference.
The exchange sits within a broader regional debate over the influence of external powers in Pacific diplomacy. Peters highlighted a longer arc of concerns about transparency and partnership in the region’s security architecture, with Pacific nations insisting on their own agency in inviting guests and shaping agendas at the Forum.
The issue also touches the delicate balance within Pacific ties, including the Cook Islands, which has deepened its strategic partnership with China. Peters has stressed that the strength of ties must rest on the consent and participation of the Cook Islands people, not just their leaders, underscoring New Zealand’s emphasis on transparent consultation within the special relationship.
Analysts say the episode underscores the ongoing tension between sustaining regional unity—the Pacific Way of consensus and mutual respect—and managing growing great-power competition in the region. Beyond visa lists and guest invitations, the focus remains on climate resilience, shared development, and regional security as the Forum’s core priorities.
Possible follow-ups for readers:
– Await official responses from Solomon Islands authorities on the invitation list and Taiwan’s status for the Leaders’ Meeting.
– Seek comment from the Cook Islands government about the China partnership and the scope of consultations that informed it.
– Request Beijing’s clarification on its stance regarding invitation decisions and any implications for regional dialogue.
Value-added context for readers:
– The Pacific Way emphasizes dialogue, consensus, and regional leadership; how leaders navigate inclusion versus selective participation will influence the Forum’s legitimacy.
– Taiwan’s participation in the Forum remains a live, core issue in regional diplomacy and security, illustrating the broader contest between sovereignty, inclusivity, and external influence.
– Sidebars could map the key players—New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, China, and Taiwan—and summarize recent steps shaping the Pacific’s diplomatic landscape.
Outlook:
– If regional leaders keep dialogue open and center priority issues like climate resilience and sustainable development, the Forum could reaffirm its role as a central hub for Pacific cooperation, even amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
– The episode highlights the need for transparent, Pacific-led decision-making to preserve trust and momentum in regional projects.
Summary note:
Winston Peters’ remarks reflect New Zealand’s push for transparent, inclusive decision-making in a Pacific shaped by rising China influence. The situation highlights the ongoing effort to balance sovereignty, regional solidarity, and productive engagement with diverse partners to address climate resilience, development, and security.
Additional comment for editors:
– Consider a sidebar explaining the “Pacific Way” and the One China policy for readers new to the topic.
– A quick explainer map showing recent shifts in guest invitations and Taiwan’s participation could help readers follow the evolving dynamics.
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