Last summer’s Pacific Island Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting was smaller than usual. Following behind-the-scenes influence by the Chinese Communist Party on the then-host, the Solomon Islands, Taiwan and all non-member partners were excluded from attending, despite regular participation for over 30 years. But now, with Palau hosting the 2026 leaders meeting in just a couple months, Taiwan is rightly back at the table—and the Pacific Islands Forum should keep it that way.
In 1993, following a decision by the PIF leaders, Taiwan joined as a development partner. In this role, Taiwan is engaged in policy discussions with PIF leadership and countries, though it does not have voting rights. Even so, Taiwan’s inclusion and representation in the PIF provides it with diplomatic and economic access to its Pacific neighbors.
But Taiwan’s history with the Pacific goes far beyond the 1990s. Many Pacific Islands can trace their lineage back to Taiwan centuries ago, when voyagers set sail for the thousands of islands east of Taiwan. For many decades, Pacific Island countries maintained diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Today, that number has dwindled to three: Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu. Combined, Taiwan’s historical and current ties with the Pacific Islands reinforce why Taiwan’s engagement is neither novel nor illegitimate.
What used to be a non-issue has recently become another example of how China is attempting to coerce Pacific Islands into serving Chinese interests. Credible reports indicate that Chinese influence operations resulted in the corrupting of elected Solomon officials and the removal of the late Daniel Suidani from office, a democratically elected representative, for disagreeing with the country’s One China Policy. Clearly, allowing Beijing to set the rules of regional diplomacy rewards coercion and invites repetition.
China’s influence in the Solomons served as a primary catalyst for the decision to remove all non-member partners during the 2025 leaders meeting. By doing so, China achieved its goal of curtailing Taiwan’s representation in a diplomatic forum. This regional goal is tied to China’s broader goal of eliminating all Taiwanese diplomatic recognition and, ultimately, unifying Taiwan with the mainland—with or without its consent. This outcome runs counter to longstanding U.S. interests in keeping Taiwan free of China’s unilateral control.
The good news is that, even with Taiwan absent in the meeting, its allies stood strong. Tuvalu and its two other allies worked to ensure that the 2025 PIF leaders meeting outcomes “maintained Taiwan’s development partner status” and referenced Taiwan’s contribution of $3 million to the Pacific Resilience Facility, “which is six times China’s listed contribution.” Thankfully, under the leadership of Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr., Taiwan will return to the leaders meeting in 2026.
Although Pacific Island countries certainly have the right to make sovereign decisions, Taiwan has consistently demonstrated an interest in preserving its partnerships and supporting the needs of the Pacific. Taiwan has proven to be a capable partner in the Pacific by providing grants for and financing key projects, including providing over $550 million in official development finance to the Pacific since 2008. Importantly, Taiwan shares many of the same values that Pacific Islanders hold, including the freedom of expression.
Now, especially with Chinese pressure looming ever larger, the Pacific Islands, supported by Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, should ensure that Taiwan does not have to risk losing its seat at the table again. Staunchly defending Taiwan’s access to diplomatic forums is important not only to preserve Taiwan’s status as a capable nation but also to ensure countries around the world, including in the Pacific, can benefit from Taiwan’s economic and technological expertise.
Following the 2025 leaders meeting, two members of Tuvalu’s government asked an important question: “What, then, is the way forward?” Their answer: “All PIF members should support the sovereign right of Taiwan’s allies to recognise their partner of choice.” They are absolutely right, and Palau’s leadership is already putting this stance into motion with Taiwan’s return to the 2026 leaders meeting.
All freedom-loving countries of the Pacific should support Taiwan’s right to a seat at the table.
Andrew J. Harding is a Policy Analyst for National Security and Indo-Pacific Affairs in The Heritage Foundation’s Asian Studies Center.
