A divided Pacific hands China a massive boost

Five Pacific island leaders have skipped an annual regional summit in Palau, presenting a challenge for China's growing influence in the region. The Pacific Islands Forum, which began on Monday, is highlighting tensions over Taiwan as a key issue. The prime ministers of Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa and the Solomon Islands, along with Kiribati's president, are not attending.

Most are expected to be represented by ministers or senior officials. The absences happen at a sensitive time when China and the United States are vying for regional influence, and China has been expanding its footprint in the Pacific while reducing diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Beijing sees the fragmented turnout as favorable, as it pushes back against Taiwan's participation and seeks to deepen engagement with Pacific island states.

Only three Pacific countries now maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, and China regards Taiwan as part of its territory. The forum, hosted by Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr., has seen the United States and other dialogue partners return, despite Beijing's pressure and warnings. The divided Pacific presents a challenge for the forum to present a united regional position amid increasing China-Taiwan tensions shaping Pacific diplomacy.