Tensions Rise as Solomon Islands Ban Fuels Pacific Islands Forum Discontent

New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, has placed the blame for any discord at the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) squarely on the Solomon Islands. The forum, which is set to commence in Honiara on July 10, 2023, has been overshadowed by a controversial decision from the host nation to ban external partners from attending.

Peters expressed concern that if forum members had been aware of the Solomon Islands’ restrictions on outside participation, they may have chosen to hold the leaders’ meeting elsewhere. He emphasized that the decision affects not just diplomatic relationships but also the ability to engage in meaningful dialogue. “The blame lies squarely with the decision by the Solomon Islands government,” Peters stated.

He elaborated that for many years, the forum has welcomed dialogue partners to enhance discussions, and for the first time, the Solomon Islands has chosen to exclude them. Peters questioned whether the meeting would have been scheduled in Honiara had the situation been clear from the outset, highlighting the need for support from external partners for effective dialogue.

The sentiment was echoed by President Surangel Whipps Jr of Palau, who raised concerns about the implications of Taiwan potentially losing access to the summit. He suggested that the Solomon Islands reconsider its role as host. Following the confirmation of the ban, which affects partners including the United States and China, Whipps Jr expressed his support for the decision, albeit with reservations about its impact on broader regional cooperation.

In contrast, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele defended the government’s stance, stating the ban aligns with resolutions made during last year’s summit in Tonga. He explained that the decision to defer the post-forum dialogue partners meeting was not arbitrary but rather a result of a consensus among leaders to enhance the mechanisms for such discussions before the current forum. “Unfortunately, that new mechanism is not ready,” Manele said, indicating that this delay necessitated the current restrictions.

Manele also dismissed speculation that non-forum countries would have representatives present in Honiara during the summit, asserting that he expects all leaders from the Pacific to attend, with the exception of Samoa, which will be represented at a senior official level due to recent elections.

According to Anna Powles, an associate professor at Massey University, nations with diplomatic missions in the Solomon Islands, including China, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, might still hold informal meetings despite the official ban. In response, Manele urged these countries to respect the decision made by his government regarding the summit’s format.

As the forum approaches, the dynamics of Pacific diplomacy will be closely observed, particularly in light of the ongoing tensions and the implications of the Solomon Islands’ decision for future regional cooperation and dialogue.