A: Hey John, did you hear about the news?
B: No, what's going on?
A: The Pacific Islands Forum started in the Solomon Islands! It's usually open to partners like China and the US, but not this time.
B: Why is that? Tell me more!
A: Well, it seems the Solomons didn't invite external governments because China asked them to exclude Taiwan. Australia pledged around 66 million dollars for disaster risks and climate change funds.
B: Wow, that's a lot of money! What did the Australian PM say?
A: He talked about the region's geopolitical importance, saying they treat Pacific Island nations with respect amid strategic competition.
B: I see... China's influence is growing, isn't it? They severed ties with Taiwan in 2019 and just recently the Cook Islands signed an agreement to deepen ties with Beijing.
A: Yeah, it's concerning for some countries. The Pacific Island leaders are expected to release a communique when they finish talking on Friday. Let's wait and see!
B: No, what's going on?
A: The Pacific Islands Forum started in the Solomon Islands! It's usually open to partners like China and the US, but not this time.
B: Why is that? Tell me more!
A: Well, it seems the Solomons didn't invite external governments because China asked them to exclude Taiwan. Australia pledged around 66 million dollars for disaster risks and climate change funds.
B: Wow, that's a lot of money! What did the Australian PM say?
A: He talked about the region's geopolitical importance, saying they treat Pacific Island nations with respect amid strategic competition.
B: I see... China's influence is growing, isn't it? They severed ties with Taiwan in 2019 and just recently the Cook Islands signed an agreement to deepen ties with Beijing.
A: Yeah, it's concerning for some countries. The Pacific Island leaders are expected to release a communique when they finish talking on Friday. Let's wait and see!
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Summary
The Pacific Islands Forum, excluding external governments such as China and the US, was held in the Solomon Islands. This decision is reportedly due to China's request for Taiwan's exclusion. Australia pledged $66 million towards disaster risks and climate change funds. The Australian PM