Tuvalu considers pulling out of Pacific leaders’ summit amid China-linked power struggle

Tuvalu, pictured, is considering whether to attend a key Pacific forum after host nation Solomon Islands – a Beijing ally – excluded outside countries including Taiwan. Photograph: Tala Simeti/The Guardian

Tuvalu’s prime minister Feletei Teo said his country may pull out of the region’s top political meeting next month, after host nation Solomon Islands moved to block all external partners – including China, US and Taiwan – from attending.

The Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting will be held in Honiara in September. On 7 August, Solomon Islands prime minister Jeremiah Manele told parliament that no dialogue partners would be invited to the annual gathering.