Beijing’s Wedge Politics Threatens Pacific Islands Forum Unity Over Taiwan

States loyal to, and dependent on, CCP money are kowtowing to Beijing while others struggle to maintain the Forum’s cohesiveness.

This picture taken on September 5, 2018 shows flags from the Pacific Islands countries being displayed in Yaren on the last day of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). - PIF members on September 5 signed a security agreement promoting cooperation on issues such as trans-national crime, illegal fishing and cyber-crime.The agreement, called the Boe Declaration, also recognised the need for joint action on "non-traditional" threats, primarily climate change. (Photo by Mike LEYRAL / AFP) Photo credit should read MIKE LEYRAL/AFP via Getty Images

Increasing pressure from Beijing on the small Pacific Island states to which it provides extensive funding—either as aid or investment in projects that benefit the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)—has caused visible cracks in the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) for the first time.

Members have been forced to take a position on banning Taiwan from attending the organisation’s upcoming leaders’ meeting in September in the Solomon Islands.