'Our ocean is not empty space for rivalry,' Pacific Islands Forum leader says
- Admin
- 19 minutes ago
- 2 min read
By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Koror — A Solomon Islands official asked the Pacific Islands Forum's partner nations to keep their boundaries in check and let the region chart its own path.
"Our partners are welcome, and their support is valued, but they should help us realize our ambition, not defy them. Friendship and threat cannot travel in the same canoe," Rick Houenipwela, foreign affairs minister, said at the opening of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leadership meeting held Monday night at the Palan National Gymnasium.
Houenipwela's remarks came on the heels of China's displeasure over Taiwan's participation in this year's Forum, which is chaired by Palau President Surangel Jr., a staunch ally of Taipei.
Some Pacific island nations that are allied with China are skating on thin ice, with their state leaders failing to show up at the regional gathering and sending their representatives.
Taneti Maamau, president of Kiribati, joined state leaders virtually from Tarawa to hand over the Smaller Island States chairmanship to Palau President Surtnagel Whipps Jr.
Observers raised speculation that China had orchestrated the conspicuous absence of key leaders in protest over the forum leadership’s decision to invite Taiwan. The Forum, however, attempted to downplay the no-shows, attributing them to domestic engagements and flight service challenges.
"Our ocean is not empty space for rivalry. It is our home, and its peace, security, and future must be shaped first and foremost by Pacific peoples," Houenipwela said.
He recognized the Forum's fragile harmony.
"This has also been a testing season for the regional unity. Strategic competition has sharpened around us," he said. "The peace of our ocean has been challenged. At such moments, the Forum must remain the political home where Pacific leaders speak honestly, listen carefully and decide our own course."
