Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders have reaffirmed the 1992 decision that grants “development partner” status to certain non-member entities, including Taiwan, despite mounting pressure from China.
The reaffirmation was contained in the communiqué issued after the Leaders’ Retreat in Noro, Western Province, during the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting on Thursday.
Under the section on the Review of the Regional Architecture (RRA) and Partnership Mechanism, Leaders endorsed the Policy on Partnerships, noting that its application would remain limited to Forum Dialogue Partners and Observers, while maintaining the 1992 Leaders’ decision on Development Partners.
The policy will form the framework for engagement with Dialogue Partners and Observers under the Pacific Islands Forum Partnership Mechanism, with a review update to be provided in 2026.
International media have highlighted the significance of the reaffirmation. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that Forum leaders had effectively backed Taiwan’s right to participate in the region’s peak political gathering, rejecting Beijing’s push to have Taipei excluded.
China has consistently urged Forum members to annul the 1992 decision, arguing that most Pacific nations now recognise Beijing.
Last year, a similar reaffirmation was dropped from the final communiqué after heavy lobbying from China, sparking diplomatic tension.
This year, however, Leaders were united in maintaining the status quo. According to sources quoted by ABC, discussions over the wording were “fraught and difficult,” but Leaders ultimately agreed it was “impossible” to expel Taiwan while it still maintains diplomatic allies in the region.
Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa confirmed that Leaders had no intention of changing the arrangement.
“Based on the Leaders’ decision, including the retreat as well, there’s nothing changed. The 1992 decision is still there,” he said.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the outcome, thanking Forum Leaders for supporting its continued participation as a development partner.
The decision is seen as a setback for China’s efforts to isolate Taiwan from regional forums.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Solomon Star, Honiara
