Missing leaders won't derail Pacific Islands Forum outcomes, secretariat says

The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, the region's premier policy organisation, is confident the annual leaders' summit will deliver despite leader absences in Palau.

At least five leaders will skip the Pacific Island region's annual summit, officials said Monday, hours before the opening of talks overshadowed by Taiwan-China tensions. The gathering aims to grapple with thorny regional issues including climate change, drug crime, and the Chinese test-firing of a ballistic missile th

International relationsSeveral representatives stay home as forum grapples with Chinese missile testPalau President Surangel Whipps Jr. speaks to reporters in Koror, Palau on Aug. 30. (Photo by Sophie Mak)SOPHIE MAKAugust 31, 2026 12:00 JSTKOROR, Palau -- Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. said Sunday that it would be

US, China, Japan and Singapore rejoin as dialogue partners after last year’s exclusion.

Pacific forum set to open in Palau without several leaders  Reuters

Pacific leaders are descending on Palau for what could be a particularly politically charged Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting.

Solomon Islands prime minister cancels his appearance, along with leaders from Fiji, Vanuatu and Samoa Several leaders have pulled out of a the Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ meeting in Palau at the eleventh hour. Solomon Islands prime minister, Matthew Wale, has cancelled his appearance after a no-confidence motion wa

A delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) departed for Palau yesterday to attend side events held alongside the 55th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).Speaking to reporters before departing from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, Lin said that the visit, scheduled through Thursday next week, aims