Foreign Interference Blamed as Leaders Pull Out of Pacific Summit
Australian and New Zealand officials are downplaying the impact of the pull-outs, some of which they privately blame on Chinese pressure.
TL;DR
- A third of Pacific Islands Forum leaders might miss the upcoming summit.
- This potential absence could lead to a crisis in regional unity.
- Australian and New Zealand officials are downplaying the impact of the pull-outs.
- Some officials privately blame Chinese pressure for the absences.
- Reasons for non-attendance include domestic politics, poor health, and defiance.
- Leaders from Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu are reportedly out.
- Participation of leaders from Nauru and New Caledonia is uncertain.