Solomon Islands Excludes 21 Nations from Pacific Forum

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AUG 8

Above: Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele on July 31, 2025, in Wellington, New Zealand. Image copyright: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

story last updated AUG 8

The Spin

Anti-China narrative

It is obvious to all observers that this was done in order to avoid a fracas over the attendance of Taiwan, with China sparing no expense to isolate and belittle its claimed territory. Taiwan has continued to stand up for Pacific nations as a development partner in spite of pressure from Beijing, with the pushback against this move being a good sign of their continued influence.

Taipei Times Taipei Times

Pro-China narrative

The Solomon Islands has spoken out in favor of the one-China policy and the integrity of China, and has unfortunately faced pressure from outsiders that seek to interfere with its sovereign decisions. Taiwan's attempts to pressure the Solomon Islands have certainly failed, with the country making this move in order to take the focus of the meeting away from geopolitics.

Global Times Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC)