In Palau, Pacific summit under pressure from rivalries over Taiwan

The Pacific Islands Forum opens in Palau amid a tense diplomatic climate. Taiwan’s presence among the partners invited to the forum has prompted protests from Beijing, as the host archipelago is one of the last three states in the region to recognise Taipei.

China, Taiwan and the United States have been invited as partners, without taking part in the leaders’ meeting. Last year, opposition from China and the Solomon Islands, then the host country, led to Taiwan being excluded, along with all actors from outside the region.

Tourism at the centre of a new dispute

After Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung arrived in Palau, China described the archipelago as a dangerous destination for travellers, according to President Surangel Whipps. Chinese visitors account for the majority of tourists received by the country, according to available data.

The US embassy accused Beijing of using tourism to exert pressure on Palau. President Whipps, for his part, stressed the need not to reduce the Pacific to a theatre of geopolitical confrontation.

Climate, cost of living and regional security

Leaders must also address the priorities of island states: climate change, food security and the fight against drug trafficking. Populations are also facing rising fuel and food prices linked to the war in the Middle East.

Security will feature prominently in discussions. Police officers from several countries will provide protection for the gathering, in the first policing cooperation of this scale across the Pacific. Participants are also expected to discuss a joint maritime response to the rise in crime associated with drug trafficking.

Absences and the Chinese missile issue

Kiribati’s head of state will not attend the summit. The Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands has also decided not to travel there because of an internal political crisis. Washington is to be represented by Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and US Coast Guard Commander Kevin Lunday.

Lastly, leaders are expected to revisit China’s ballistic missile test carried out in the region the previous month. The forum had not adopted a joint statement on the issue because of opposition from Kiribati and Nauru.