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Pacific Islands Leaders meet to discuss climate change, security

Leaders of the Pacific Islands began a seven-day summit in the Solomon Islands on Monday. They are expected to adopt a "Ocean of Peace", amid concerns over the rising tensions between China and the United States.

Leaders are expected to support Australia's bid for the COP31 United Nations Climate Summit, after Canberra committed to working closely with its island neighbors to raise awareness about the challenges they face due to rising sea levels and worsening weather.

Solomon Islands cancelled the participation of 20 donor partners including China, Taiwan, and the United States due to pressure from China to prevent Taiwan's involvement at the forum being held in Honiara.

Three of the 18 members have diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Three have signed defence compacts with America. Several are French territories. Thirteen members of the forum have diplomatic ties with China.

Australia is the largest member of the forum and is the biggest donor in the region. It has increased its efforts to stop China from expanding its presence in the area, following a 2022 pact between Beijing and the Solomon Islands.

Anthony Albanese, Australia's prime minister, is expected to arrive at Honiara Wednesday after visiting Vanuatu. He is expected sign a landmark A$500m ($326.5m) deal strengthening economic and security links.

Christopher Luxon, the New Zealand Prime Minister, said that his country was adamant about bringing the donors to the forum to discuss the development opportunities. However he added that the forum was still united. Reporting by Kirsty Neeham in Sydney, Lucy Craymer and Raju Gopalakrishnan in Wellington.

(source: Reuters)