Taiwan urges inclusion in Pacific forum amid reports of exclusion

Taipei, Aug. 8 (CNA) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Thursday called on the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) to allow for Taiwan's participation this year, following reports that Taiwan would be blocked from the 2025 event, as have been China and the United States.

In response to CNA's request for comment, MOFA called on the PIF to "maintain its existing arrangements" and allow Taiwan's participation in the upcoming PIF event, an important political gathering for leaders of Pacific island states, as a "development partner."

But MOFA was unclear when asked in more detail about the situation.

Taiwan in the past has attended the PIF informally to participate in side events held in conjunction with the forum, but it has not taken part in the main leaders' meetings.

When asked whether Taiwan's delegation will even be allowed to go the Solomon Islands, where the PIF Leaders Meeting and Associated Meetings will be held from Sept. 8-12, MOFA declined to comment.

According to a Reuters report, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele told the country's parliament earlier this week that the PIF would not invite donor countries, such as the U.S. and China.

Only the bloc's 18 members, including Australia and New Zealand, will take part in the meeting, Manele said.

While Manele cited an ongoing review of each country's relationship with the Pacific as the main reason, opposition party politician Peter Kenilorea Jr suggested the issue was "all about China and Taiwan."

There have been reports since last year that the Solomon Islands, which switched diplomatic ties from Taiwan to China in 2019 and is the host country of the 2025 PIF summit, would seek to exclude Taiwan from participation due to China's pressure.

China has poached several of Taiwan's allies in the Pacific as it seeks to expand its presence in the region and isolate Taiwan from the international community.

Of the 18 members in the PIF, only three -- the Marshall Islands, Palau and Tuvalu -- have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

Taiwan has taken part in PIF mechanisms since 1993 as a partner country and has also made several donations to the bloc.

MOFA said it continues to seek cooperation with the PIF and its Pacific allies and to contribute to the development and prosperity of the region.