Solomon Islands: Exclusion of dialogue partners unlikely to affect China’s participation
On 6 August, Prime Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele announced that dialogue partners, including the United States, China, and Taiwan, would not be invited to this year's Pacific Island Forum (PIF) scheduled for 8-12 September 2025. PM Manele also stated that he had informed all PIF leaders of the decision. Leaders from Palau and Samoa have acknowledged and consented to PM Manele’s decision, citing that the move will give members time to discuss critical intra-regional issues. Subsequently, Sione Tekiteki, a former PIF governance director and PM Rabuka, warned of emerging disunity among PIF members regarding PM Manele’s decision.
Assessment: The Solomon Islands has been a strong regional ally to China since switching recognition from Taiwan in 2019. The move to exclude dialogue partners is likely aimed at preventing Taiwan’s attendance and demonstrates China’s influence on the current Solomon Islands Government. Although China is a PIF Observer and therefore also excluded under this decision, the Solomon Islands Government will almost certainly permit China’s participation under another guise.
Sources: Lydia Lewis, “Palau backs Solomon Islands’ move to exclude Pacific Islands Forum partner talks until 2026,” RNZ, August 7, 2025, Kirsty Needham, “Solomon Islands blocks US, China, Taiwan from Pacific's top political meet,” RNZ, August 8, 2025; Lydia Lewis, “External powers pitting Pacific Islands Forum members against each other, former advisor warns,” RNZ, August 8, 2025; Lydia Lewis, “Samoa backs Solomon Islands' move to defer partner talks at Pacific Islands Forum,” RNZ, August 14, 2025; Litia Cava, “Pacific unity at risk over forum snub,” FBC News, August 13, 2025.
