Pacific Islands Forum

Forum Chair Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. read a statement calling for all nations that conduct ICBM tests to provide 24 hours notice, the international standard "to ensure transparency and reassurance."

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said that Guam faces the same problems as the 18 members of the forum, but as an associate member, the island doesn’t get to participate in solving those problems.

The governor told the Pacific Islands Forum leadership conference that Guam's political status should not exclude the island from full participation in the group.

Surangel Whipps Jr. noted that large airlines all over the world have created alliances, but Pacific carriers are not part of those partnerships.

The U.S. embassy in Koror said the United States is against any attempts by China to weaponize tourism. China issued a travel advisory warning of crime, a dangerous marine environment and frequent accidents involving tourists in Palau.

The summit at the East-West Center brings together Pacific island leaders, U.S. government and military officials and business executives to discuss investment, security and shared prosperity.

Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio represents Guam at gathering in Solomon Islands.

The U.S. strengthened military ties in the Pacific region, with a historic visit to Fiji last week.

Turmoil over China’s push for influence in the Pacific has overshadowed the region’s most important diplomatic summit — the Pacific Islands Forum. The end of the summit exposed the tension over China’s expanding role in the region.