00:00Leaders of Pacific Island nations gather for a photo in the Solomon Islands at an annual forum between the countries where this year at least one head of state said progress had been made.
00:12We have made real advances in our common interests. We are all members of the Pacific family and it's important that we cooperate on economic issues, on national security and in dealing with the challenge of climate change.
00:30One key outcome of this year's Pacific Islands Forum, a joint call by all participating nations for a, quote, ocean of peace, proclaiming their desire for peace and cohesion and taking a stand against great power competition in the region.
00:44I think there is a concern that the great power competition between the People's Republic of China and the United States of America is now impacting even the running of the annual Pacific Island Forum.
00:56Also, don't forget, you know, there's long been a concern of Pacific Islands that they don't become victim to this competition between the two powers and that they get trampled underfoot.
01:07This year, the host, the Solomon Islands, announced that none of the forum's external partners would be invited, effectively barring countries that normally have a seat at the table, including Taiwan, the U.S. and China.
01:21The move reportedly followed pressure from Beijing to exclude Taiwan as it seeks to deepen its reach in the region.
01:27Taiwan has only three remaining diplomatic allies in the Pacific, after several switched recognition to China in recent years, including the Solomon Islands.
01:40Some of those allies expressed concern over Taiwan and other partners' exclusion.
01:45The president of Palau told AFP that there had, quote, absolutely been meddling in the forum and emphasized all partners should be included to be able to effectively solve challenges.
01:54And even without an invite this year, Beijing's presence still loomed large.
02:01For one, this year's meetings took place nearby a large stadium built and financed by the Chinese government.
02:08And China has appeared to ramp up an influence campaign, including providing hundreds of thousands of dollars in support for the Solomon Islands police force to help with summit preparations.
02:17But experts say, despite China's efforts, there are high hopes for Taiwan's future at the forum, especially as next year's event will be hosted by official ally Palau.
02:29With Palau hosting the Pacific Island forums next year, with Palau having diplomatic relations with Taiwan, I think we can rest assured that President Wipps will make sure that Taiwan and all of the dialogue partners will be invited.
02:47Still, great power competition is likely to continue playing a part in future forums.
02:53It's members made up of mostly tiny island nations with large strategic importance.
02:59Dolphine Chen and Cadence Caranta for Taiwan Plus.
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