‘Concerns’ for China’s influence in Solomon Islands ‘biased,’ reflecting US strategic suppression
Responding to “concerns” from a pro-US political figure in the Solomon Islands over China’s growing influence ahead of the nation’s elections, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Monday that China adheres to noninterference principle in other countries’ internal affairs, and advocates prioritizing development while respecting the Pacific nation’s autonomy.
Experts noted that the “concerns” appear more like a slogan for the US with the aim of suppressing China’s interests in the South Pacific region. Since establishing diplomatic relations, China’s cooperation with and assistance to the Solomon Islands have been conducted under the principle of mutual respect without any political conditions, they stressed.
Daniel Suidani, a major rival of the incumbent Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and the former premier of the most populous island Malaita, said in a recent interview that China’s presence in his nation is “alarming,” noting that the upcoming elections could further “entrench Beijing’s foothold.”
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at Monday’s press briefing that China has always adhered to the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs and supports the people of the Solomon Islands in choosing a development path that suits their national conditions.
“In fact, Suidani’s province of Malaita and he himself have long had a close bond with the separatist authorities of Taiwan island. In addition, he is heavily influenced by the US, which has led to a bias against China,” Chen Hong, executive director at the Asia Pacific Studies Centre of East China Normal University, told the Global Times on Monday.
Washington has been trying to manipulate the politics of the Solomon Islands since Sogavare took office, Chen noted, by pressuring the current government through various means such as media and public opinion, while at the same time cultivating individuals within opposition parties to influence the country’s domestic and foreign affairs.