Pacific voters’ snub to Beijing

Beijing’s bid to build influence across the Solomon Islands has hit a major snag, with the pro-China premier of the Pacific nation’s most populous province losing his seat in country’s elections.

Malaita premier Martin Fini – who has overseen the swift expansion of Chinese interests in the province – lost his reelection bid, according to the election commission.

For years, the province of Malaita refused to accept aid or investment from China, bucking the trend as Beijing’s influence expanded across the rest of the sprawling archipelago.

But that changed when Mr Fini was installed as premier last year, replacing the popular Daniel Suidani.

Fini recently signed a memorandum of understanding with China’s Jiangsu province. But his failure to keep his seat now puts that deal in doubt.

Beijing’s embassy in the Solomon Islands has in the past praised Mr Fini’s “firm support” of China, promising to pave his province with new roads and ply it with better internet in return for his support.

Mr Suidani was one of the rare provincial leaders who refused to cash China’s cheques, fearing Beijing’s goodwill will come with strings attached.

Indicating he would now seek to reclaim the premiership of Malaita, Mr Suidani said the pursuit of closer ties with China had contributed to Mr Fini’s downfall.

“The people here in Malaita don’t agree with the ruling government for the past 12 months,” he said.

“All of these things contributed, including the signing of the provincial relationship with Jiangsu.”

Mr Suidani’s provincial government was so concerned about China’s sway that it blocked telecoms giant Huawei from building desperately needed cell phone towers on the island.

“That is something that is very concerning – the influence of the (Chinese Communist Party) in this country,” Mr Suidani said.

Mr Suidani was ousted as Malaita’s premier after losing a no-confidence last year. He has long suspected China of working behind the scenes to orchestrate his removal.