Leaders to focus on Pacific unity as reports emerge that partners like the US and China are set to be excluded from the in-person Forum meetings in Suva

Reports are coming in that partners like the US and China are set to be excluded from the in-person Pacific Islands Forum meetings in Suva.

We have sought comments from the Forum Secretariat regarding this.

The ABC reports that concerns over China’s influence have grown since Solomon Islands signed a security pact in Beijing back in April.

Then the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi attempted to get 10 Pacific nations to agree to a wide ranging multi-lateral security and trade deal.

Wang did not get the deal Beijing wanted as Pacific leaders wanted to discuss the issue together at the Pacific Islands Forum.

President of the Federated States of Micronesia, David Panuelo has made his stand clear.

And former Prime Minister of Tuvalu, Enele Sopoaga says Tuvalu is also unimpressed with Beijing after their delegation was forced to withdraw from a UN Oceans Conference because they still recognize Taiwan.

Panuelo says the Pacific island leaders are looking out for themselves and Pacific unity is important.

President of the Federated States of Micronesia, David Panuelo and former Tuvaluan Prime Minister, Enele Sopoaga

It was earlier reported that China was making an attempt to muscle in on the Pacific's most important high-level gathering, pushing for a meeting with the region's foreign ministers on the same day leaders come together in Fiji for the Pacific Islands Forum.

We have sent questions to the Forum Secretariat and the Chinese Embassy. They are yet to respond.

Meanwhile Pacific Island foreign ministers last met the Chinese minister just one month ago, when he hosted them for a virtual meeting from Fiji in the midst of a long Pacific tour.

Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi

It has been said that Wang was forced to shelve a sweeping regional economic and security pact with the Pacific in the wake of that meeting after some countries raised concerns.