Explainer | Explained: how Taiwan’s Pacific allies are being wooed by mainland China
- A third of Taiwan’s remaining diplomatic allies will meet at the Pacific Islands Forum this week
- While the question of allegiance divides the group, analysts say leaders are more likely to focus on issues that unite them, like climate change
Leaders attending the annual Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) this week will be hosted by Tuvalu – one of just 17 diplomatic allies that Taiwan has around the world.
The Pacific region is home to six of these states: along with Tuvalu, those include Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) and the Solomon Islands.
However, in June the Solomon Islands launched a task force on reconsidering its recognition of Taiwan, which could open the door for others in the region to follow suit.
Despite divisions on recognising Taiwan, analysts believe that the leaders gathered in Tuvalu this week are more likely to focus on issues which unite them, such as the pressing threat of climate change.
Observers say that Australia’s reluctance to take a more proactive stance on fighting climate change could open the door for China to gain more influence in the region — though Beijing has not won hearts at previous PIF meetings.
China’s delegation abruptly walked out of talks during last year’s forum in Nauru – a move which analysts say upset Nauru’s president and did nothing to endear Beijing to other Pacific leaders.
