The annual meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum, which is created in the Pacific Islands Forum, was held, and it was agreed that the leaders of the member countries would work together to tackle common issues related to climate change and security.

At the annual meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum, which was held in Suva, the capital of Fiji, in 18 countries and regions, including Pacific island nations and Australia, the plenary meeting attended by the leaders of member countries was not held on the 14th. It was done publicly.



After the meeting, Fiji's Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama said, "The region faces a variety of complex challenges, but there is no doubt that it is important to work together on common challenges," including climate change. It was clarified that they agreed by collaborating in the fields of.



In addition, security issues were discussed with China in mind, which is expanding its influence in this region. According to the secretariat, information will be shared in advance when member countries proceed with security agreements with other countries. It means that it has been confirmed that cooperation will be strengthened, such as by doing.



Regarding this meeting, Kiribati announced that it would withdraw from the disagreement over last year's secretary-general election, and the leaders of six countries and regions were absent due to local elections, etc. There are also concerns that it may lead to further expansion of China, but it has left a problem in the way of cooperation as the Pacific Islands Forum.

China "China is involved in withdrawal from Kiribati.

China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a press conference on the 11th of this month that the "Pacific Islands Forum" reported that Kiribati's announcement of withdrawal might be related to China. And it has no roots or leaves at all. I would like to emphasize that China does not consistently interfere with the internal affairs of the Pacific island nation. "

Focus on Australia and US involvement

Member countries Australia are particularly focused on their involvement in the Pacific Islands Forum.



Prime Minister Albany Gee is believed to have met with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavale of the Solomon Islands, who signed a security agreement with China in Fiji on the 13th, and expressed concern about the progress of militarization in the region.



"One of the focal points is the ongoing strategic competition in the region. Australia will continue to respect its relations with the island nations," said Albany Gee. He expressed his intention to strengthen relations with each country with China in mind as it expands its power.



The United States is growing concerns with Australia.



This year, Vice President Harris attended the meeting online and announced plans to open embassies in Kiribati and Tonga, and to expand support for economic development and measures against illegal fishing in the Pacific island nation.



He added, "We must unite now that we are witnessing vicious nations trying to destroy the rule-of-law order," and the Biden administration plans to deepen its involvement in the region. Was told to the member countries.

China's influence grows in Fiji

Even in Fiji, an island country in the South Pacific, China's influence seems to be increasing, especially in the economic field.



The capital city of Suva is lined with commercial facilities and hotels built with assistance and investment from China.



Two typical bridges in the city were built four years ago with the assistance of China and named "Bridge of Friendship between China and Fiji", which is an indispensable infrastructure for citizens' lives.



In the center of Suva, road construction is underway by a Chinese company, and a Chinese-owned hotel will soon open.



A man who works as a security guard at the hotel welcomed the entry of Chinese capital, saying, "Chinese companies pay higher salaries than Fijian companies."



China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Fiji in May to meet with Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama to promote his intimacy and to meet with 10 island nations with which he has diplomatic relations online during his stay. He clarified his stance of increasing influence in the region, such as proposing a new concept to promote cooperation in the fields of security and trade.



Australia, which is becoming more cautious about China's approach to Fiji, sent a message in May that it would send Foreign Minister Wong to Fiji to strengthen cooperation.

Expert "Increasing China's influence"

Mihai Sora, an Australian think tank familiar with the situation in the Pacific island nation, said that China, which is expanding its influence, will continue to use the security agreement signed with the Solomon Islands in April. It is analyzed that it will strengthen relations with the island nations of the Pacific Ocean and further strengthen its influence.



"The agreement between the Solomon Islands and China could affect all countries in the region. China will continue to actively encourage countries in the Pacific Islands Forum in the areas of security and economics. I will go. "



On top of that, Kiribati has announced that it will withdraw from the Pacific Islands Forum, and the absence of leaders from several other countries will give Sora a chance to stay in China amid concerns about the turmoil in each country. I pointed out that there is a possibility.



"Geopolitical competition between large powers to increase influence in the region could distract attention from regional priorities. Climate change should be the main challenge," Sora said. He also said that climate change issues such as sea level rise are also urgent issues for each country to work together.