Ticker Views
Watered down meetings for Pacific leaders
Solomon Islands Prime Minster concludes his second overseas trip in a week as strategic competition heightens
It’s hard to believe a time when leaders from the Pacific jumped on board their emissions-spurting jets to meet with the U.S. President.
But last week 12 leaders from across the Pacific gathered in Washington to meet with President Joe Biden in the first U.S.-Pacific Island Country Summit.
“We honoured the history and values that our nations share and expanded our cooperation on key areas that will benefit our people for years to come,” President Biden said.
What was the meeting about?
Leaders from Fiji, Solomon Islands, Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia were among the guests at the summit.
They discussed maritime security, climate change, and economic development.
Of course, climate change is a crucial issue for these Pacific Island states, many of which are low-lying and vulnerable to the impacts of rising temperatures and sea levels.
These countries are already experiencing higher temperatures, shifts in rainfall patterns, and rising sea levels.
There are also long-term climate variables, which are expected to occur in the future.
The U.S. believes the summit was a platform to “reaffirm its commitment to the Pacific region” and “strengthen its relationships”.
But it was only a matter of time before the climate guise was dropped.
“The security of America, quite frankly, and the world depends on your security, and the security of the Pacific Islands.”
JOE BIDEN, U.S. PRESIDENT
Security is the key word here, because President Biden’s definition of this, may differ from the low-lying states of the Pacific.
Why was it important?
One word: China. When Beijing’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi blitzed through 10 Pacific countries earlier in the year, he had a big deal on his mind: a regional security pact.
“China practices the diplomatic principle of equality among all countries,” China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
The Pacific sensationally declined to sign up to the sweeping deal, which included greater economic and security ties.
Wang said the Pacific region should not to be “too anxious” about Beijing’s intentions.
“China is not a newcomer, but rather an old friend with Pacific Island countries,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Solomon Islands is the key example here, especially after Prime Minster Manasseh Sogavare’s stance on the Declaration following last week’s U.S.-Pacific Partnership.
Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele said he watered down the initial language because it “put us in a position where we’d have to choose sides”.
He added there were “indirect” references to China, however, officials later found “common ground” and Solomon Islands signed up.
It’s no surprise Sogavare was then seen standing next to President Joe Biden for the official photo at last week’s Washington Summit. Fiji’s leader Frank Bainimarama was also strategically on the other side.
It was the first time in 40 years where a Fijian Prime Minister had an official audience with the U.S. President.
Why is Solomon Islands at the centre of this?
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare met with Australia’s leader Anthony Albanese in Canberra today, where the pair reiterated their relationship as “proud Pacific nations”.
“I look forward to engaging with Prime Minister Sogavare on building a strong and prosperous Pacific region, based on principles of transparency, respect and partnership.”
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA
Australia remains Solomon Islands’ largest development partner. But Sogavare’s state visit largely remained behind closed doors, with no media opportunities scheduled.
Prime Minister Sogavare welcomed Australia’s $16.68 million commitment to support the 2023 Pacific Games, and offer to support the next Solomon Islands’ election—an issue where earlier friction was caused.
Sogavare’s visit was part of Canberra’s plan to reduce friction between the two nation.
Earlier this year, Honiara signed a security alliance with Beijing. It stirred a diplomatic pot over concerns a Chinese military base could be established on the island nation.
Australia’s then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison asked for greater transparency over the deal.
But Sogavare lashed out at Australian officials in his nation’s parliament, asking where the same transparency was over the AUKUS alliance between Australia, Britain and the U.S.
“I learnt of the AUKUS treaty in the media. One would expect that as a member of the Pacific family, the Solomon Islands and members of the Pacific should have been consulted to ensure this AUKUS treaty is transparent.”
MANASSEH SOGAVARE, PRIME MINISTER OF THE SOLOMON ISLANDS
The recent Washington summit was the perfect opportunity for President Biden to roll out the red carpet and discuss his administration’s plans for the Indo-Pacific region.
On the other hand, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it “will keep in close communication with all parties” and “make good use of the mechanism of China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting”.
Protests are engulfing Iran as a revolution against oppression spills onto the global stage, with the world unable to turn a blind eye
In Iran, protests are engulfing the country as thousands take to the streets in a revolution against oppression.
Women are cutting their hair and burning their hijabs, demanding some form of change to the strict rules that impact their ultimate freedom.
“Woman. Life. Freedom”
DONNA MILES, WRITEr, & COLUMNIST
From the Iranian Revolution in 1979 to the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, the nation’s residents have witnessed their fair share of turmoil.
Many insist that religion, like Islam, is being used as a reason to violate basic human rights in Iran.
Women in the country and around the world, are now lifting the veil on Iran’s corruption.
“What is happening in Iran fills me with both fear and hope… Hope that there might be some meaningful change.”
Donna miles, writer, & Columnist
Pure desperation
For nearly forty years, women in Iran have faced a life of control and oppression. Subject to the strict Islamic Republic rules, bound by religion.
There have been protests in Iran before, but nothing like what we see today.
Women and men are filling the streets of the entire country, in a show of solidarity against the regime, putting their lives on the line.
Footage of Iranian women burning the hijabs and cutting their hair has encapsulated social media.
“People are risking their lives… The regime is very brutal. It significant that this time round that there is international focus and attention on Iran.
Donna miles, writer, & Columnist
One thing is clear…The revolution is taking place, at least in people’s hearts and minds.”
Spilling onto the global stage
The uprising against the regime in Iran and its treatment of women is openly and loudly spilling onto the global stage.
Its voice is so powerful it is even flooding into the sporting arena. In Qatar, Iranian soccer players refused to sing their national anthem before their World Cup game.
While the move from the sporting stars was seen by a global audience, a cloud of fear now looms over the safety and wellbeing of the players returning to their homeland.
“The players have been extremely brave. This is a significant issue for them. Enough to take a political stand to refuse to sing the national anthem.”
DONNA MILES, WRITEr, & COLUMNIST
As history shows us, sport has often been used as an avenue to express a political stance.
At the 1968 Mexico Olympics, U.S. athlete Tommie Smith raised his black-gloved fist, in defiance of racial segregation.
This is perhaps one of the most iconic moments, illustrating the blurred line between politics and sport.
UN finally calls out Iran
During the Iran protests, footage of authorities using brutal force against protestors sparked global attention and outrage.
Now, the United Nation has called out Iran’s actions.
At its 35th special session, the UN Human Rights Council launched a new investigation. It will independently investigate alleged human rights violations during the protests.
“It will be independently investigated.”
DONNA MILES, WRITEr, & COLUMNIST
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