Pacific Island leaders issued a call for an “ocean of peace” on Wednesday, urging respect for their sovereignty at a summit clouded by China’s alleged meddling and great power competition in the strategically vital region.
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After a day of largely closed-door talks in the Solomon Islands capital of Honiara, the 18 Pacific Islands Forum leaders endorsed a Fiji-backed push for a statement proclaiming the region’s cohesion and its desire for peace and climate action.
A heavy police presence guarded the leaders, who met in the Friendship Hall, near a 10,000-seat National Stadium built and financed by the Chinese government. Once potholed roads had been repaired ahead of the gathering.
“The ‘ocean of peace’ declaration is a reclamation of our sovereignty and our shared destiny,” said Jeremiah Manele, prime minister of Solomon Islands, host of this year’s gathering. “It is a solemn vow that our seas, air and lands will never again be drawn into the vortex of great power rivalry.”
Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said the declaration “will demonstrate that our region is free from militarisation”.
“Emerging trends and patterns of diluting the global rule-based order are of utmost concern for small states like us,” he said.
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Alongside member states – including key players Australia and New Zealand – gatherings of the Pacific Islands Forum are typically attended by dozens more countries as observers or dialogue partners.