Postcard from PIF: Hardly divided, leaders took a stand on China test

The focus for this year’s annual gathering of Pacific leaders and partners was always going to be about China.

With the 55th annual meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) taking place last week in Palau, one of only 12 nations in the world that recognise Taiwan, there was always going to be the potential for mischief by China. As the leaders meeting came only a short time after a Chinese missile test in the Pacific, everyone was waiting to see the final communique or if there would even be one.

China certainly tried every trick in the book to disrupt the meeting and to discredit the host Palau and its president, Surangel Whipps Jr.

Some media – inadvertently, I hope – have echoed China’s line. I’ve seen many headlines saying that the forum had failed to condemn the test and was divided, with a number of leaders absent.

All I can say is don’t believe all the headlines. Pacific leaders were here in large numbers and, with their international partners, achieved important outcomes sought by the region:

Australia pledged A$600 million in new funding to support action targeting narcotics transiting the region.

A second weekly Qantas flight connecting Australia to Palau was also announced.

The United States committed US$150 million to support energy security and address rising fuel costs across the Pacific.

Pacific leaders and partners made progress on climate financing and preparations for the COP and other upcoming environmental summits.

The leaders also – with only one dissent – overwhelmingly agreed on a very specific statement about the recent Chinese test, noting their concern.

The meeting’s agenda was substantive. Partners have listened and responded to the priorities. Yes, the discussions went long and included many stakeholders.

That is a good thing. This is the Pacific way: inclusive, patient, respectful.

New Zealand, next year’s host, may be considering a leaner, more limited leaders meeting. Apparently only ‘strategic partners’ will now be invited. While the agenda is not yet set, there may be an effort to shorten the list of topics and limit related events, so that the meeting is more ‘efficient.’

Let’s hope the organisers of next year’s Pacific Islands Forum meeting don’t prioritise expediency or placating China at the expense of the Pacific way and the Pacific’s partners.