Beijing, July 10: The leaders of the Solomon Islands and China pledged to expand their relations, raising concerns in Washington and Australia over Beijing’s growing influence in the South Pacific.
During a meeting between Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, along with Premier Li Qiang, both sides expressed their commitment to deepening ties. Several agreements on police cooperation, economic collaboration, and technical cooperation were signed during the visit.
Sogavare emphasized the aim of enhancing relations, acknowledging China’s development experience and expressing a desire for dialogue to enhance bilateral interaction and cooperation. The two governments announced the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership based on mutual respect and common development.
The Solomon Islands, located 2,000 km (1,200 miles) northeast of Australia, became China’s significant success in expanding its presence in the South Pacific when it switched official recognition from Taiwan to Beijing in 2019.
Although the Solomon Islands signed a secretive security agreement with China, Sogavare dismissed concerns about granting Beijing a military foothold in the region. The nearby island nation of Kiribati also switched official relations to Beijing in 2019.
China’s foreign ministry stated that Sogavare’s visit would inject new momentum into relations and deepen mutual political trust.
In response to China’s efforts, the Biden administration announced plans to reopen an American Embassy in the Solomon Islands and convened a summit of Pacific Island leaders in September, unveiling a strategy encompassing climate change, maritime security, and preventing overfishing. President Biden also pledged $810 million in new aid for Pacific Island nations over the next decade, including $130 million to address the impacts of climate change.
While China’s attempts to forge closer ties with other Pacific governments have largely faltered, the visit of Solomon Islands’ leader to Beijing signifies the ongoing rivalry between the United States and China in the South Pacific region.
Among the agreements signed on Monday was an implementation plan for police cooperation between Solomon Islands and China, spanning until 2025.
