China Responds to Accusations at Pacific Islands Forum Amid Discussions on Taiwan

On November 24, 2018, boats were seen docking at sea in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands. A spokesperson from China's Embassy in New Zealand recently refuted claims directed at China concerning the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). The spokesperson reiterated the stance that Taiwan is not a separate nation but a province of China, urging all parties involved to respect the one-China principle. This call is intended to facilitate the Forum's focus on cooperation rather than political conflicts.

The remarks from the Chinese embassy followed statements made by New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters, who suggested that outside influences were threatening unity among South Pacific leaders at the Forum. Peters criticized the notion that external parties could dictate guest participation at the summit, claims that were evidently interpreted as targeting China, even though he did not mention the country directly. A report indicated that in an effort to avoid escalating tensions around Taiwan's involvement, the Solomon Islands proposed limiting attendance at the Forum to PIF member states, effectively excluding both China and several other nations.

In addressing the situation related to the Forum, the embassy spokesperson emphasized that accusations against China are unfounded and rejected by the Chinese government. They stressed that China values its relationship with the PIF and is eager to collaborate with its members while supporting the growth of island nations in the Pacific under the established dialogue mechanisms.

Moreover, regarding the contentious Taiwan issue, the spokesperson pointed out that Taiwan's exclusion from PIF activities aligns with the consensus of most PIF members. The principle of national sovereignty, crucial to the UN Charter, was cited as a key point against any attempts to politicize Taiwan's place in international forums. The spokesperson urged related parties to respect commitments to the one-China policy to maintain a cooperative atmosphere.

Academic expert Chen Hong remarked that Peters' comments were deliberately indirect but clearly aimed at China, given his previous support for Taiwan's involvement in global organizations and interventions in China's domestic matters. Chen noted that despite suggestions of collaborative dialogue, the responsibility of invitation rests solely with Pacific Island Countries, critiquing Peters' remarks as a remnant of a colonial mindset.

The spokesperson from the Chinese Embassy further asserted China's commitment to support Pacific Islands in their sustainable development goals, especially in combating climate change—the primary threat to their existence. The intention to deepen cooperative relationships between China and the PIF was emphasized, indicating that the exclusion of China would hinder the progress and prosperity of these nations.