Despite major powers being sidelined from the Pacific Islands Forum, Vice-President Kamala Harris will appear virtually to make a series of announcements showing the US is intent on reasserting its presence in the region as China continues to expand its footprint.
The senior administration official said the US was concerned by the move, but all plans would go ahead regardless of whether an agreement was reached for Kiribati to remain.
Kiribati Opposition Leader Tassie Lambourne told the ABC's Pacific Beat program that she was "shocked" to learn of the withdrawal and hoped the government had not"I hope that there is no other reason for leaving the forum family. I sincerely hope that there hasn't been any influence on our government's decision from other external sources," she said.
Dr Smith said the US could move to offer Kiribati a "compact deal" to alleviate any concerns about the Micronesian state. Upon arriving in Fiji on Tuesday, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong told reporters that forum members, including Australia, would seek reconciliation with Kiribati.In his opening ceremony address, Mr Bainimarama stressed the most important issue for the forum was unity.
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