US-China rivalry on display at gathering of Pacific Islands leaders

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, Tongan Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku and Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa lead a meeting on Aug. 30, 2024, in Nuku'alofa, Tonga. The PFI rebuffed moves led by China ally Solomon Islands to sideline Taiwan. The flags of participating countries are displayed at the annual Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in Nuku'alofa, Tonga, on Aug. 26, 2024.

Efforts by Beijing to limit Taiwan's participation in the recently concluded Pacific Islands Forum underscore the intense and ongoing tug-of-war between Western democracies and China for influence in the region, analysts say.