Kiribati intends to rejoin the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) after a formal apology from the new Fijian Prime Minister – who is also the Chair of the Pacific Islands forum – Sitiveni Rabuka. During his recent visit, Rabuka performed a traditional practice of ‘boka,’ a ceremony that seeks forgiveness and reaffirms solidarity. The ceremony touched the president of Kiribati, Taneti Maamau, saying, “Kiribati has truly felt the brotherly love that translates into the Pacific Way of acceptable, reconciliation, peace and unity,” in an article from RNZ Pacific.
Kiribati pulled out of the PIF last July, just before the group was set to meet for the first time in three years. The move came as a surprise to the other Pacific Nations, as they rely on regionalism and a sense of unity for leverage in the current geopolitical world. Maamau claimed that the PIF did not satisfactorily address concerns of “equity, equality and inclusiveness in a number of key decisions including the appointment of the current Secretary General.” Since Kiribati left the PIF, Fiji experienced their first change of government in 16 years this past December with the election of Sitiveni Rabuka. With a new leader the country is distancing itself from China, and strengthening ties with other Pacific Islands, says an article from Taipei Times.
Australia, New Zealand, the United States and China all have an interest in the negotiations of the Pacific Island Nations. Australia, New Zealand, and the United States all seek to increase their engagement with the Pacific Nations, in part to counter China’s increased engagement. China has a very strong interest in the Pacific Nations as their geographical locations allow for military outposts. In June, China’s foreign minister Wang Yi went to the Pacific and attempted to negotiate a regional security and cooperation agreement with Pacific nations. The Pacific nation’s lack of enthusiastic responses prompted China to withdraw their plan and release statements reaffirming their dedication to the Pacific Island nations. China could also be interested in the area for their extended trade routes and fisheries. Considering a security pact between China and the Solomon Islands in April, the United States, Australia and New Zealand remain fearful that China will establish military bases on the islands, although these ideas have been denied. China also looks to further isolate Taiwan diplomatically in an attempt to weaken Taiwan’s position in the international sphere.