Solomon Islands Still Torn Between China And Taiwan
In June, then newly elected Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, announced that the Pacific nation would decide within 100 days whether to switch diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China. Solomon Islands has been allied with Taiwan since 1983, and with a population of just over 600,000, it is the largest of the six small Pacific states that recognise the self-governed island, which China considers a renegade province. However, with the 100-day deadline soon approaching, the islands’ government appears more torn than ever over the impending decision, and lawmakers say the final call could be postponed for months.
Opposition leader Matthew Wale told Kyodo News that while the decision of whether to switch ties lies entirely with the government, he understands that an outcome “will maybe be reached by November.”
Mr Wale’s comments come as former Prime Minister and current Minister for National Planning and Aid Co-ordination Rick
Houenipwela told Radio New Zealand that a vote in parliament would not happen at all this year. Mr Houenipwela was one of 16 pro-government lawmakers who on Wednesday, publicly announced their strong support for the Solomon Islands remaining with Taiwan, citing fears of “debttrap diplomacy” with China’s Belt and Road infrastructure development initiative. Taiwan itself pumps millions of dollars into the Solomon Islands, with politicians major beneficiaries. Money is given to MPs to use as they see fit, as so-called development funds. “We state very clearly that we will not support any policy to change Solomon Islands diplomatic ties from Republic of China (Taiwan) to the People’s Republic of China (PRC),” the statement, published on the Solomon Business Magazine Facebook page, read.
“We believe the long term interests of our country -- in terms of our development aspirations, as well as respect for democratic principles, human rights, rule of law, human dignity, and mutual respect -- lie with Taiwan, not the PRC,” it said.
Signatories to the letter account for over half of government ministers, including Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele and Deputy Prime Minister John Maneniaru. The Prime Minister is also understood to continue to “cherish Solomon Islands relations with Taiwan,” according to the letter.