Port Moresby Several small island states could walk out on the Pacific Islands Forum if Australia and New Zealand force them to compromise on a declaration demanding an ambitious target to combat climate change.

The president of Kiribati, Anote Tong, issued the ultimatum on the eve of the summit of 16 Pacific Island leaders on Tuesday, declaring: "We cannot negotiate this, no matter how much aid. We cannot be bought on this one because it's about the future."

The president of Kiribati, Anote Tong, issued an ultimatum on the eve of the summit of 16 Pacific Island leaders on Tuesday. Credit:Mike Bowers

Mr Tong raised the prospect of either states walking out or Australia being asked to leave the forum if its two more powerful members forced a compromise on the commitment of island states to the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

"We expect them as bigger brothers, not bad brothers, to support us on this one because our future depends on it."