China 'elephant in the room' at summit

PACIFIC Islands leaders are meeting in the Solomons this week for an influential summit clouded by differences over China’s mounting influence in the region that risks scuppering regional cooperation.

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Alongside its 18 member states including key players Australia and New Zealand, gatherings of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) are typically attended by dozens more countries as observers or dialogue partners.

But this year’s host, close China ally the Solomon Islands, has barred most of those partners from attending - sparking accusations that Honiara was working on Beijing’s behest to exclude longtime participant Taiwan.

The move prompted condemnation from fellow Pacific Island nations, of which three - Marshall Islands, Palau, Tuvalu — still recognise Taipei.

And observers warn the issue could even split the summit - undermining essential regional cooperation on everything from climate change, health, security and transnational crime.

New Zealand’s top diplomat Winston Peters said last month it was “obvious” that outside forces were meddling in the summit.