Regional leaders advance future security talks during 50th Pacific Islands Forum
Pacific region heads of state, government officials and territory representatives gathered August 13-16, 2019, in Funafuti, Tuvalu, for the 50th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) to continue discussions on “securing our future in the Pacific,” a theme adapted during forum meetings in 2017 and 2018.
Leaders met to advance a 2050 strategy aimed at doing just that. Their talks dissected the impacts of weather-related events in the Pacific region, along with the intensification of geostrategic competition that has exacerbated vulnerabilities.
“In reflecting on this, leaders noted that securing the future of the blue Pacific cannot simply be left to chance but rather requires a long-term vision, a carefully considered regionalism strategy, and most importantly, a collective commitment to achieve it. The strategic value that the Pacific region currently holds provides unprecedented opportunities and leverage to realize the blue Pacific continent,” according to the 50th PIF’s 15-page communique.
“In this context, and in promoting the fundamental principle of inclusivity and equality, particularly the role of women, ensuring increased representation at all levels, and of youth, for advancing regionalism, leaders endorsed the development of a 2050 strategy for the blue Pacific continent” while acknowledging the need for immediate action to address climate challenges.
Geopolitical differences and conflicting priorities between Melanesia (in the mid-southwest Pacific Rim), Micronesia (on the lower northwestern Pacific Rim) and Polynesia (a geographic triangle extending from Hawaii in the north to Easter Island in the southeast and New Zealand in the Southwest Pacific) can present challenges to finding consensus. The 18 member countries of the PIF, however, used this year’s gathering to highlight common interests, particularly where climate action is concerned.
Discussions on the often-emotional topic grew tense between Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his Pacific neighbors when he pushed back against a call by Pacific leaders to ban new coal-fired power plants and coal mines, which opponents say cause man-made harm to the climate. Australia continues to receive criticism for its stance, with some calling for suspension of its PIF membership over Morrison’s pro-coal position.
Morrison, however, wants the talks to continue.
“We’re there for the difficult conversations, we’re there for every type of conversation with our Pacific family,” Morrison said, according The Sydney Morning Heraldnewspaper. “Just like any family that comes around the table, we discuss all things through. … And regardless of whatever issues we have to work through at the time, our Pacific family knows that Australia will always be for them.”
The People’s Republic of China (PRC) attempted to capitalize on the tension. Ambassador Wang Xuefeng, China’s special envoy to the Pacific, promised the PRC would be “a good friend, partner and brother of Pacific island countries,” the Heraldreported. He told PIF members that the PRC attached great importance to the “special concerns and legitimate demands” of small island nations advocating climate action, the newspaper reported.
“It’s so hypocritical from them,” an unnamed Australian government source told the Heraldabout the PRC. “They are using just about more coal than the rest of us put together.”
While Pacific island countries make concerted efforts to invest in clean electricity, the PRC has provided little monetary support for such projects, according to The Lowy Institute, an Australian think tank. Taiwan, on the other hand, has targeted its investments to help the islands lessen their dependence on fossil fuels. Of the 16 projects Taiwan has invested in, all targeted renewable energy sources. The donations included solar lamps and solar fans.
In response to PRC tactics to wield greater influence in the Pacific, Western nations, including Australia, Britain, France, New Zealand and the United States, have increased efforts to reengage with the region.
In a retort to the Chinese ambassador’s remarks, U.S. Interior Secretary David Bernhardt said the United States has an “incredible” relationship with the Pacific that no other nations could compete against.
“We all seek the same thing — peace, freedom and prosperity,” Bernhardt said, according to the Herald. “We believe the best ways to achieve that is through democracy and a commitment to the rule of law and by resolving disputes through peaceful means.”
He said the United States would continue to reduce emissions by investment in new technology and innovation in the energy market, noting that the U.S. kinship with the Pacific region was built on “a legacy of sacrifice and commitment to the region.”
“I think that is quite significant,” Bernhardt told the Herald, “and we don’t need to compete with anyone for that.”
