Solomon Islands Opposition MP Peter Kenilorea Jr has raised alarm over reports that Taiwan officials are being denied visas to attend the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting in Honiara — despite a 1992 Forum decision allowing the Republic of China (Taiwan) to participate.
“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 wrote.
“33 years later, SIG again hosting the Pacific Islands Forum, is reportedly not even granting visas to Taiwan officials to attend.”
Kenilorea pointed to paragraph 54 of the 1992 Forum Communiqué — adopted during a Leaders Meeting hosted in Honiara — which permitted Taiwan to attend the annual summit. He warned that unless Forum Leaders formally rescind that decision, it remains in effect.
“I read paragraph 54 and I see the wisdom of our leaders in the language chosen and utilised. That was the Pacific Way,” he said. “Until leaders decide to rescind their 1992 decision, paragraph 54 still stands.”
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.”
“Let us continue to respect the Pacific Way on this matter and not allow a non-member state of PIF to have their way,” Kenilorea said.
The Solomon Islands Government has not officially confirmed whether Taiwan officials have been denied entry, but concerns are mounting ahead of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara.
Taiwan has historically participated in the Forum under a special arrangement, and its exclusion could heighten tensions within the regional bloc, especially among members with close ties to Taipei.
Kenilorea’s remarks reflect growing unease within Solomon Islands about the country’s increasingly tight alignment with Beijing and the potential erosion of regional norms.
