Pacific Islands Forum break-up

The U.S. and Australia cannot meaningfully counter China’s rising influence without addressing the Pacific Islands’ top concern.

Despite a deal between the PIF and other Micronesian states, Kiribati declared it still intends to withdraw from the premier regional forum.

After a whirlwind of visits and agreements, where does the Pacific region stand?

With Blinken's trip to Fiji, the Biden administration wanted to signal a renewed focus on the Pacific Islands. It will take more than one trip to make that message stick.

After a year of deadlock, Micronesian leaders signaled they will hold off on making their departure official.

It was almost inevitable that fractures would emerge within the Pacific Islands Forum.

The threat by Micronesian leaders to withdraw their countries from the PIF is a compelling reason to rethink the place of regionalism in the domestic affairs of member states and territories.

The decision by Micronesian countries to leave the PIF will have major strategic implications.