It is clear that Australia and others are members of the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum while other countries are not and it’s unsurprising that members of the Forum will meet together.
This has been stated by Australia’s Foreign Minister, Penny Wong when questioned about China’s influence in Fiji and reports that China has been excluded from in-person meetings in Suva.
Wong says they think members of the Pacific family are capable of providing security to the Pacific.
Wong has also commended Fijian Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama and leaders of the Micronesian states for their work to try and bring the Forum back together.
She says the position of the Australian Government is to support the consensus of the Forum.
