Specifically, the money will be used to help the region fight illegal fishing, improve maritime security and tackle climate change, among other challenges. Because of the remoteness of most Pacific countries, fishing and tourism are the only source of income for many countries. In recent years, due to the epidemic and other factors, some island countries have been forced to face the pressure of economic stagnation. It’s worth noting that “20 years have passed” since the United States last made a “major contribution” to the Pacific island nation, according to Palau’s Fisheries Minister, Steven.

In addition to expanding economic aid, the United States has announced a series of “firsts”. In addition to the U.S. Embassy in the Solomon Islands, which is undergoing reconstruction efforts, the U.S. government will open U.S. embassies in the Pacific island nation of Kiribati and the Kingdom of Tonga, according to the White House website. At the same time, the Biden administration sent a US envoy to the Pacific Islands Forum for the first time and unveiled America’s first Pacific Islands Strategy.

The vice president’s speech and several “firsts” reflect the importance the United States places on the Pacific islands. The analysis thinks that the United States realized that it had been in the absence of this area, so are strategically adjust its relations with the Pacific island countries. The U.S. move also appears to be sending a message to Pacific island nations which expect them to see the U.S. as an important partner.

Because this year’s Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ Meeting will not hold activities and dialogues with dialogue partners. The United States is not at the table to talk to the South Pacific islands. But Australia, as a U.S. ally, is a central player in the region. Shenzhen TV’s direct news reporter noted that Australian Foreign Minister Henry Wong has visited Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Solomon Islands and New Zealand in just one month since he took office. It is self-evident that he attaches great importance to this region.

There was a hiccup before the Pacific Islands Forum officially began.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) previously reported that the Pacific Islands Forum is considering excluding “partners” such as the US and China from the meeting to avoid being influenced by geostrategic competition. This news, combined with Kiribati’s announcement of its withdrawal from the forum, has led to some speculation about us-China diplomacy in the region.

In response to The Australian media’s claim that China was not invited to the Pacific Islands Forum, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin clarified today that It is not because China was not invited, but that the Pacific Islands Forum will not hold activities or dialogues with its dialogue partners this year. Us Vice President Harris was invited to attend the special meeting on fisheries under the framework of the FORUM, and Chinese representatives were also invited to attend relevant special meetings and activities of the Forum.

In fact, Fijian Prime Minister Voren Bainimarama, who chairs the FORUM, said he did not hold talks with “partners” to ensure Pacific island leaders had enough “space” to address regional strategic issues and decide on key priorities, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Another source said Bainimarama wanted Pacific island leaders to focus more on key internal issues. The foreign policy of making friends rather than enmity, rather than taking sides, also reflects the island country’s desire to conduct all-round cooperation with all parties.[1]

On May 29, local time, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Samir Puna in Suva.

Wang appreciated Poona’s efforts in promoting friendly exchanges and cooperation between the PIF and China since he took office as Secretary-General. He said the PIF is the most representative inter-governmental organization in the South Pacific region. China has always attached great importance to the IMPORTANT role of the PIF in regional affairs and has sent representatives to the FORUM for more than 30 years in a row. China has also set up the China-Pacific Islands Forum Cooperation Fund and provided convenience to the Office of the Secretariat in China. We will continue to strengthen dialogue, enhance mutual trust and carry out cooperation with the Secretariat, do our utmost to support the building of the FORUM and work together to consolidate relations between developing countries and Pacific Island countries.

Wang said China supports island countries in advancing the Blue Pacific 2050 strategy and is willing to explore cooperation in Marine ecological protection and e-commerce to create new growth areas. The Chinese economy is full of vitality, and a single epidemic cannot stop China’s development. China will unswervingly pursue wider, deeper and higher-level opening-up, share development dividends with island countries, and welcome more high-quality products from island countries to enter the Chinese market.

Pune said China is an important dialogue and development partner, the Pacific island countries have long been an essential contribution to the development of the island is looking forward to working with China to strengthen development strategy, expand economic and trade, education, and economic cooperation in various fields, such as blue, sufficient development opportunities with China, especially in the digital economy advantage, sustainable, diversified development.

The 51st Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders’ Meeting concluded on July 14 in Suva, Fiji, with the adoption of the blue Pacific Continent 2050 Development Strategy, which is seen as a roadmap for promoting sustainable development in the region.

Speaking at the launch of the document, Fijian Prime Minister and forum Chair Voren Bainimarama said the framework puts the Blue Pacific at the centre of regional policy and will also strengthen collective action in the region.

To attend the meeting of the leaders, said the 2050 development strategy is the result of people’s work together for a long time, for the Pacific region surrounding the political leadership and the development of regionalism, centred on the people, the peace and security, the resources and economic development, climate change, ocean and environment, technology and connectivity that seven major areas for cooperation framework.

By Zhiyuan Tan