pn917. Fractured Regionalism: Let's Hope Pacific Islands Disunity isTemporary

A PIF meeting

The unity of Pacific nations seems to be falling apart just when they need to stay focused on the major issues facing the region — climate change and sea-level rise,  the Covid-19 pandemic, growing mainland Chinese influence and the question of links to China or Taiwan.   

Following the 2006 Coup Fiji was expelled and formed the Melanesian Spearhead Group,  a possibly divisive alternatve.  More recently, there was discord in the Solomons following its "switch" from recognition of Taipei for Beijing. Its most populous island Malaita is opposed to the switch.  

Then, when we thought that the issue of the appointment of Cook Island leader Henry Puna to head the Forum (instead of the head of a Micronesian state whose turn at leadership is was) was resolved, the issue flared up again. 

On Sunday, Kiribati left the Forum, and the leaders of the Marshall Islands and Nauru, for a mix of reasons, will also not attend the meeting that opened in Suva yesterday. The Cook Islands  will also not attend due to imminent elections.

Jacinda Arden expressed understanding and disappointment at the Kiribati

departure but held out hopes it would soon rejoin. Already in Suva, she announced new climate change funding for the Pacific.  The Australia PM Anthony Albanese arrives tomorrow. Fiji's PM Frank Voqere Bainimarama is chairing the meeting.

-- ACW