Pacific Leaders Agree New Summit Rules Amid China, Taiwan Bans

Pacific Island leaders reached several significant agreements during their recent forum in the Solomon Islands, addressing geopolitical tensions and climate resilience. They agreed on a new framework to allow nations to join the forum as strategic partners, responding to concerns over China's influence and the exclusion of some partners, including Taiwan, which sparked regional debate. Leaders also endorsed the Ocean of Peace Declaration, committing the region to remain free from conflict, coercion, and external rivalry, emphasizing unity and respect for sovereignty. In parallel, fifteen members signed the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) Treaty, aiming to raise substantial funds to support climate adaptation and disaster preparedness, with a goal of $500 million by 2026 and $1.5 billion by 2030. The PRF is designed as a Pacific-led mechanism to overcome challenges in accessing broader global climate funds, reinforcing regional autonomy in addressing climate change. These developments reflect the Pacific nations' efforts to assert their collective voice and leadership amid growing strategic competition in the region.