The heads of three Pacific countries–Papua New Guinea (PNG), Vanuatu, and Solomon Islands–have declined to attend this year’s Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) meeting. The decision comes as leaders of the countries continue building ties with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which has significantly expanded its footprint in the region in recent years. The three leaders will instead send ministers to PIF, which is held in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, from Nov.6 to 10, 2023. Papua New Guinea Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso will represent his country, while Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu will lead Vanuatu’s delegation. Neither country has explained why their prime ministers are absent....Read more https://www.theepochtimes.com/world/3-pacific-leaders-to-give-key-regional-meeting-a-miss-5525363