SOLOMON Islands Opposition MP Peter Kenilorea has criticised reports that Taiwanese officials have been denied visas to attend the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting in Honiara.
The visa refusal is linked to Solomon Islands’ shift towards a ‘One China’ policy and rejection of its previous recognition of Taiwan.
In 1992, the Forum agreed in Honiara to allow Taiwan to participate in its events.
“Isn’t it ironic that the decision by Pacific Islands Forum Leaders to provide for Taiwan/Republic of China to attend the annual leaders’ summit was agreed to in Honiara in 1992?” Kenilorea said.
“Now, the Solomon Islands Government again hosting the Pacific Islands Forum, is reportedly not even granting visas to Taiwan officials to attend.”
Kenilorea suggested that the apparent refusal of visas is part of a broader shift in Solomon Islands’ foreign policy direction following its 2019 switch in diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China.
“Perhaps this decision is not shocking given how cozy Honiara and Beijing relations have been over the last six years. But it brings with it troubling concerns that hit at the heart of Solomon Islands’ sovereignty,” he said.
He urged Solomon Islands and the Forum to uphold the principles of consensus and regional solidarity, which underpin the “Pacific Way.”