TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Pacific Island nations reaffirmed their support for Taiwan’s participation in the Pacific Islands Forum, in a joint communique issued on Friday.

Though the statement did not specifically mention Taiwan, it pledged to “maintain the 1992 Leaders' decision on development partners.”

This year’s PIF was held in the Solomon Islands from Sept. 8-12 and excluded Taiwan, the US, China, and 21 other donor countries from attending, due to Chinese pressure. The Solomon Islands severed ties with Taiwan in 2019 and switched recognition to Beijing.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the communique, thanking PIF leaders for their support and consensus on Taiwan’s continued participation as a partner.

Since 1993, Taiwan has participated in the PIF under the name Taiwan/Republic of China and has consistently engaged with member states in the capacity of a development partner, the foreign ministry said. Taiwan will continue to uphold the spirit of “The Pacific Way,” and contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Pacific region.

PIF was founded in 1971 and seeks to “foster collaboration and cooperation in the pursuit of shared goals” in the Pacific region, according to its website. It currently comprises 18 countries and territories, including three of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies: Tuvalu, the Marshall Islands, and Palau.