Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare yesterday arrived in China for his first visit since striking a security deal, pledging to “remain neutral” amid rising China-US competition and prioritize his nation’s development needs.
Western analysts have said that Sogavare would be feted after signing the security pact that alarmed Washington and some Pacific Island neighbors including Australia last year.
Concern over China’s naval ambitions in the strategically located region prompted Washington to strike a defense agreement with Papua New Guinea last month.
Photo AP
Sogavare highlighted his focus on infrastructure in a speech to mark the 45th anniversary of independence from Britain on Friday, where he said bigger countries were jostling for influence.
“We want to remain neutral, because it is not in the interest of our people and country to take sides and align ourselves with interests that are not our interests. Our national interest is development,” he said.
The need for infrastructure on islands outside the capital, Honiara, is urgent, he added.
Already, Chinese telecoms giant Huawei is building a cellular network financed by a US$66 million Export-Import Bank of China loan, prompting concern by a parliamentary committee about the debt burden, while a Chinese state company is to redevelop Honiara’s port.
On the week-long trip funded by Beijing, Sogavare is to open the nation’s embassy, meet Chinese companies, and visit Jiangsu and Guangdong provinces, his office said.
“The relationship continues to thrive and expand, a testament of a serious connection,” his office said.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Beijing and Honiara’s had “contributed to peace, stability and development in the region,” and the two countries’ leaders would discuss international and regional issues.
In a local television interview, Sogavare said the Solomon Islands was dependent on aid from Australia, but was shifting its foreign policy to look for opportunities with China, as well as India and Gulf states.
Sogavare came to power in 2019, switching the nation’s diplomatic ties from Taiwan to Beijing.
Honiara is to host the Pacific Games in November. China has constructed the stadium, is advising on security, and is training 80 Solomon Islands athletes arriving in China this week.
“The timing is about the Pacific Games, the athletes are being sent over, and showing gratitude ... this is the domestic theater of Chinese foreign policy,” said Graeme Smith, a Pacific affairs experts at Australian National University.
Sogavare will be feted as “this small nation that dares to stand up to the US and to stand up to Australia,” he added.
Solomon Islands has one of the closest relationships with China in the region, said Meg Keen, director of the Lowy Institute’s Pacific Islands program.
“With the Pacific Games and elections coming up, Sogavare will be seeking resources for national and political advantage,” she said.
“It is not a zero-sum game,” she added.
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