Leaders missing and China ‘furious’: the Pacific Islands forum off to a decidedly shaky start

Live updates

1. 13d ago

   China warns of consequences as Pacific Islands Forum begins in Koror

   The 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Koror has started under tension as China warns of consequences following the attendance of Taipei envoys. Great power rivalry and the absence of several leaders have contributed to a shaky start for the summit. While the forum secretariat maintains that missing leaders will not derail outcomes, the chair is currently seeking a consensus among member nations to condemn a Chinese missile test. Meanwhile, island nations are attempting to leverage geopolitical competition to secure funding for climate change mitigation.

   Why it matters

   The Pacific Islands Forum serves as the primary political organization for regional leaders. Tensions often center on the competing influences of China and Western powers in the region. Taiwan's diplomatic status remains a primary flashpoint for conflict between Beijing and Pacific states.

   What is confirmed

   • China warned of consequences over the attendance of Taiwan at the Pacific leaders meeting.
   • The 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting is taking place in Koror.
   • Great power rivalry is threatening to overshadow the summit of small island nations.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The chair of the Pacific Islands Forum is seeking consensus to condemn a Chinese missile test.
   • Some leaders are missing from the forum.
   • The forum secretariat claims missing leaders will not derail outcomes.

   What to watch next

   • Whether member nations reach a consensus to condemn the Chinese missile test
   • The specific nature of the consequences threatened by China regarding Taiwan
   • The final amount of climate funding secured through geopolitical leverage
   Sources used for this update (14)

   1. AP News — Great power rivalry threatens to overshadow a summit of some of the world's smallest island nations
   2. Reuters — China warns of 'consequences' over Taiwan's attendance at Pacific leaders meeting
   3. The Guardian — China warns of ‘consequences’ over Taiwan presence at Pacific Islands Forum
   4. Bloomberg.com — China Voices Angst Over Taiwan as Pacific Island Leaders Meet
   5. The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific — How Great Power Rivalry Is Fracturing the Pacific Islands Forum
   6. The Conversation — Leaders missing and China ‘furious’: the Pacific Islands forum off to a decidedly shaky start
   7. RNZ — Missing leaders won't derail Pacific Islands Forum outcomes, secretariat says
   8. The Times — China threatens Pacific nations over Taiwan’s inclusion at summit
   9. thediplomat.com — China Wants to Push Taiwan out of the Pacific
   10. fox5sandiego.com — China warns of ‘consequences’ for Taiwan after Taipei envoys attend Pacific leaders summit
   11. The Lufkin Daily News — 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Koror
   12. Bluefield Daily Telegraph — Palau Pacific Islands Forum
   confidence 90%