The withdrawal of the remote Pacific island nation of Kiribati from the region's key diplomatic group has overshadowed the Pacific Islands Forum as leaders arrive in Fiji for the first in-person meeting in two years.
Pacific island leaders will discuss how to gather more international support and funding to fight the impact of rising sea levels and climate change during their July 11-14 meeting, as well as China's ambitions for greater security ties across the region.
China's security deal with the Solomon Islands, and a bid by China to sign a broader regional trade and security deal with 10 nations that recognise China, but is opposed by some forum members, was also to be discussed.
