Australia official in Solomon Islands amid China worries
2 years, 8 months ago

Australia official in Solomon Islands amid China worries

Al Jazeera  

An Australian government minister has arrived in the Solomon Islands for talks amid concern about a proposed security agreement between the Pacific islands nation and China. A spokesperson for Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare told the AFP news agency the Pacific nation’s leader would “love to meet” the Australian minister in Honiara. Australia, New Zealand, the United States and some Pacific islands neighbours have all criticised the agreement, which would allow Chinese security and naval deployments to the Solomon Islands, as undermining regional stability. Seselja’s visit follows talks last week in Honiara between Australian intelligence chiefs and Solomon Islands officials over the proposed China security pact.

Security Australia Pacific Chinese Honiara Solomon Islands Proposed China  minister  official  australia  pacific  amid  security  worries  australian  proposed  china  honiara  solomon  islands  leaked

History of this topic

Australia announces $118 million deal to enhance policing in Solomon Islands
3 weeks ago

Australia announces $118 million deal to enhance policing in Solomon Islands

Associated Press  

MELBOURNE, Australia — Australia announced on Friday it will pay for more police in Solomon Islands and create a police training center in the South Pacific island nation’s capital Honiara, where Chinese law enforcement instructors are already based under a bilateral security pact with Beijing. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia would spend 190 million Australian dollars over four years …

Solomon Islands PM Manele’s Foreign Visits: More Than a Mere Balancing Act
5 months ago

Solomon Islands PM Manele’s Foreign Visits: More Than a Mere Balancing Act

The Diplomat  

Caught in the eye of a geopolitical storm, the Solomon Islands is back in the news, this time over newly elected Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele’s first foreign visits since taking office in May. Manele’s choice to visit Canberra before Beijing elevated hopes held by many that the “more diplomatic” leader values rebalancing Honiara’s foreign policy, which tipped in favor of …

Solomon Islands’ New Government: A Chance to Reset Australia’s Pacific Diplomacy
5 months, 2 weeks ago

Solomon Islands’ New Government: A Chance to Reset Australia’s Pacific Diplomacy

The Diplomat  

The meeting between Solomon Islands’ new Prime Minister Jeremiah Manale and Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles in Honiara on May 21 suggested that the change in leadership in the island nation may have given the two governments an opportunity to reset their relationship. On this front, Marles' trip to Solomon Islands seemed to show that Canberra’s ties with the …

Solomon Islands and China are strengthening ties in a worrying move for US and its Pacific allies
5 months, 4 weeks ago

Solomon Islands and China are strengthening ties in a worrying move for US and its Pacific allies

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Solomon Islands’ new prime …

Solomon Islands and China are strengthening ties in a worrying move for US and its Pacific allies
5 months, 4 weeks ago

Solomon Islands and China are strengthening ties in a worrying move for US and its Pacific allies

Associated Press  

BEIJING — The new Solomon Islands prime minister is in China for a visit as Beijing and the strategic Pacific archipelago strengthen their ties. “Solomon Islands values its comprehensive and strategic relations with China,” Manele told Xi in prepared remarks at the start of their meeting in the Great Hall of the People. China’s influence increased significantly during the term …

Nation vows to boost ties with Solomon Islands
5 months, 4 weeks ago

Nation vows to boost ties with Solomon Islands

China Daily  

Premier Li Qiang holds talks with the Solomon Islands' Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 11, 2024. Premier Li Qiang pledged on Thursday to enhance ties between China and the Solomon Islands, and expressed Beijing's commitment to working with Pacific island …

Solomon Islands PM Jeremiah Manele asks Australia for help to expand police force in Canberra talks
6 months, 2 weeks ago

Solomon Islands PM Jeremiah Manele asks Australia for help to expand police force in Canberra talks

ABC  

In short: Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has made his first trip to Australia since his election last month, meeting Anthony Albanese for talks in Canberra. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has made his first trip to Australia since his election last month, meeting Anthony Albanese for talks in Canberra. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says he's …

Jeremiah Manele Becomes Solomon Islands Prime Minister
7 months ago

Jeremiah Manele Becomes Solomon Islands Prime Minister

The Diplomat  

On May 2, the 50 newly elected members of the Solomon Islands parliament voted Jerimiah Manele to be the nation’s new prime minister. Ahead of the May 2 vote, it appeared Sogavare and Manele’s party, the Ownership, Unity and Responsibility Party, did not have the requisite numbers to win the prime ministership outright, given that they recorded a severe rebuke …

Solomon Islands pro-China PM Manasseh Sogavare fails to secure majority
8 months, 2 weeks ago

Solomon Islands pro-China PM Manasseh Sogavare fails to secure majority

Al Jazeera  

The Solomon Islands election has delivered no clear winner leaving pro-China Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in a race with rival opposition politicians to form a coalition to lead the Pacific island nation. Election results on Wednesday showed Sogavare’s OUR party won 15 out of 50 seats in the national parliament, while major opposition parties secured 20, and independent and micro-parties …

‘We need you’: Solomon Islands’ support for US agency’s return revealed
8 months, 2 weeks ago

‘We need you’: Solomon Islands’ support for US agency’s return revealed

Al Jazeera  

A United States development aid agency whose return to the Solomon Islands has been delayed for years without explanation found “overwhelming support and enthusiasm” for its work, with the Pacific island nation’s leader telling officials “We need you”, a previously unreleased report shows. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare is quoted in the report telling Peace Corps representatives, “We need …

Australia pushes against China's Pacific influence through a security pact with Papua New Guinea
1 year, 1 month ago

Australia pushes against China's Pacific influence through a security pact with Papua New Guinea

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

China sending more police, donating equipment including drones to Solomon Islands for Pacific Games
1 year, 2 months ago

China sending more police, donating equipment including drones to Solomon Islands for Pacific Games

ABC  

Concern is mounting in Canberra after Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare announced that China is sending additional police to the country to help provide security for the Pacific Games. Key points: The prospect of a larger Chinese police presence in Solomon Islands will worry Australian officials Australia has sent a sizeable contingent of police and ADF personnel to Honiara, …

US to open embassies in the Cook Islands, Niue
1 year, 3 months ago

US to open embassies in the Cook Islands, Niue

Al Jazeera  

Announcement comes as US President Joe Biden prepares to host a second summit with Pacific Island leaders in Washington DC. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden would use the summit to strengthen “ties with the Pacific Islands and discuss how we address complex global challenges, like tackling the existential threat of climate change, advancing economic growth, and promoting …

Can China Deliver What Solomon Islands Wants?
1 year, 3 months ago

Can China Deliver What Solomon Islands Wants?

The Diplomat  

Solomon Islands has denied its new security pact with China poses a threat to the Pacific, and has criticized Australia for withdrawing funding for vital services. In July, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare inked a raft of deals during a trip to China, upgrading the two nations’ relationship to a “comprehensive strategic partnership.” The deal comes four years after …

Solomon Islands MPs demand answers over ‘replica’ guns from China
1 year, 4 months ago

Solomon Islands MPs demand answers over ‘replica’ guns from China

Al Jazeera  

Taipei, Taiwan – Solomon Islands’ opposition leader Matthew Wale has called on the country’s police commissioner to “come clean” about whether China secretly shipped genuine firearms to Honiara last year after Al Jazeera uncovered new details about the shipment. US officials also believed that replica firearms later displayed by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force to quell the controversy were …

Australia to send more police to Solomon Islands, extend mission
1 year, 4 months ago

Australia to send more police to Solomon Islands, extend mission

Al Jazeera  

Extended Australian police mission will boost security for the upcoming Pacific Games as well as next year’s general elections. Australia has announced plans to send additional police to the Solomon Islands to boost security for the Pacific Games in November, keeping them there until June to assist with the general elections. The extended Australian police presence, announced on Sunday, comes …

Sogavare’s Pivot to China
1 year, 4 months ago

Sogavare’s Pivot to China

The Diplomat  

In mid-July, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare returned from a week-long visit to China with nine new agreements ranging from agriculture, fisheries, and maritime surveillance cooperation to a new agreement on policing – the details of which have yet to be released. He also returned with invective toward Australia and New Zealand, accusing them of not fulfilling their development …

China signs pact with Solomon Islands to boost cooperation on ‘law enforcement and security matters’
1 year, 5 months ago

China signs pact with Solomon Islands to boost cooperation on ‘law enforcement and security matters’

Associated Press  

BEIJING — The Solomon Islands has signed an agreement to boost cooperation with China on “law enforcement and security matters,” in a move likely to raise concerns among the South Pacific island’s traditional partners including Australia, New Zealand and the United States. The Chinese side will continue to provide support and help to Solomon Islands as needed in strengthening Solomon …

Australia ‘concerned’ by China-Solomon Islands policing deal
1 year, 5 months ago

Australia ‘concerned’ by China-Solomon Islands policing deal

Al Jazeera  

Australia urges the nations to publish details of the police deal which it says will ‘invite further regional contest’. Australia on Tuesday asked the Solomon Islands and China to “provide transparency of their intentions to Australia and the region” by immediately publishing details of a policing deal signed in Beijing. The police cooperation pact was among nine deals signed after …

Australia calls on China, Solomon Islands to 'immediately' publish new policing deal, as Sogavare praises 'visionary' Xi
1 year, 5 months ago

Australia calls on China, Solomon Islands to 'immediately' publish new policing deal, as Sogavare praises 'visionary' Xi

ABC  

The Australian government has called on Solomon Islands and China to "immediately" publish a new policing plan between the two countries, saying it is concerned the deal will invite "regional contest" in the Pacific. Key points: Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare is touring Beijing this week China has already established a police presence in Solomon Islands The countries yesterday …

China, Solomon Islands elevate ‘strategic’ ties
1 year, 6 months ago

China, Solomon Islands elevate ‘strategic’ ties

Al Jazeera  

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare announced the launch of a comprehensive strategic partnership on Monday afternoon, a year after striking a security deal that set off a scramble from the United States and its allies to counter Beijing’s growing influence in the Pacific Islands region. “We are here to further boost relations,” Sogavare told …

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles says Australia will push to keep troops, police in Solomon Islands
1 year, 6 months ago

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles says Australia will push to keep troops, police in Solomon Islands

ABC  

Defence Minister Richard Marles has confirmed Australia is pushing to keep troops and police in Solomon Islands beyond this year and says he is "excited" by the chance to review the security pact between the two countries. Key points: Richard Marles says Australia is willing to provide an enduring security presence in Solomon Islands beyond this year China has been …

Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa warns China not the only outside power looking to increase their presence in Pacific
1 year, 9 months ago

Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa warns China not the only outside power looking to increase their presence in Pacific

ABC  

Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa has warned that China and other outside powers could cite the need to protect their infrastructure projects in the Pacific as a front for establishing a security presence in the region. Key points: Fiame Naomi Mata'afa says China is not the only major power that may want increased military access to the Pacific She …

Solomon Islands receives visits from United States, China and Japan as 'friends to all, enemy to none' policy proves popular
1 year, 9 months ago

Solomon Islands receives visits from United States, China and Japan as 'friends to all, enemy to none' policy proves popular

ABC  

You could call it a Switzerland-like foreign relations policy — just in the Pacific. "Friends to all, enemy to none" is how Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare describes it. And on Tuesday he hosted the United States Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell — the man the Biden administration has backed to lead his country's new-found "step-up" in the region. "The …

US reopens Solomons embassy after 30 years in bid to counter China
1 year, 11 months ago

US reopens Solomons embassy after 30 years in bid to counter China

Firstpost  

Honiara: The United States reopened its embassy in the Solomon Islands Thursday after a 30-year hiatus, part of a bid to counter China’s growing influence in the South Pacific. Re-establishing the diplomatic outpost was a renewal “of our commitment to the people of Solomon Islands and our partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region”, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in …

‘Symbol of renewal’: US reopens Solomon Islands embassy
1 year, 11 months ago

‘Symbol of renewal’: US reopens Solomon Islands embassy

Al Jazeera  

The US has been stepping up engagement with the Pacific amid concerns about China’s influence in the region. It announced its intention to reopen the diplomatic mission after it emerged in April 2022 that the Solomon Islands had agreed to a secret security pact with China. The Solomon Islands had switched diplomatic ties to Beijing from self-ruled Taiwan, which China …

US moves to reopen Solomon Islands embassy to counter China
2 years ago

US moves to reopen Solomon Islands embassy to counter China

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration is plowing ahead with plans to re-open the U.S. embassy in the Solomon Islands in a bid to counter China’s increasing assertiveness in the Pacific. The department notified lawmakers nearly a year ago that China’s growing influence in the region made re-opening the U.S. embassy in the Solomon Islands a priority. “We are seeing this …

US moves to reopen Solomon Islands embassy to counter China
2 years ago

US moves to reopen Solomon Islands embassy to counter China

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Australian politicians arrive in Palau, one of the few Pacific nations to diplomatically favour Taiwan over China
2 years ago

Australian politicians arrive in Palau, one of the few Pacific nations to diplomatically favour Taiwan over China

ABC  

The tiny nation of Palau, which continues to defy pressure from Beijing to drop diplomatic ties with Taiwan, has welcomed a bi-partisan delegation from Australia as concerns grow over China's rising presence in the Pacific. Key points: President Panuelo talked maritime security and combating climate change in a bipartisan meeting with Australian MPs A six-hour visit to Palikir coincided with …

The Domestic Politics of Sogavare’s China-Solomons Tryst
2 years, 2 months ago

The Domestic Politics of Sogavare’s China-Solomons Tryst

The Diplomat  

Two seemingly disconnected Solomon Islands narratives have been unfolding over the past weeks. Many now fear that Sogavare has created circumstances that will trigger the enactment of the security treaty that he signed with China in April, which, according to a leaked draft, allows for China “to send police, armed police, and armed forces to the Solomon Islands to assist …

Solomon Islands PM says foreign military sites ‘never’ allowed
2 years, 3 months ago

Solomon Islands PM says foreign military sites ‘never’ allowed

Al Jazeera  

Manasseh Sogavare said he would not do anything that undermines national security or jeopardises regional stability. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has said that foreign military installations will never be established in his country, an apparent reference to a security pact he signed with China earlier this year. “Solomon Islands will not do anything that will undermine its own …

Solomon Islands leader rules out China base in his country
2 years, 3 months ago

Solomon Islands leader rules out China base in his country

Associated Press  

CANBERRA, Australia — The Solomon Islands prime minister assured Australia on Thursday that he would not “endanger his country” by allowing China to establish a naval base in the South Pacific. Solomons Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare made his first visit to the Australian capital Canberra since his counterpart Anthony Albanese’s center-left Labor Party came to power at elections in May. …

Solomon Islands leader Sogavare to visit Australia
2 years, 3 months ago

Solomon Islands leader Sogavare to visit Australia

Al Jazeera  

Countries are looking to mend relationship strained since a Solomon Islands-China agreement was confirmed in April. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare is set to visit Australia some six months after signing a security agreement with China that raised concern in Canberra, which has a longstanding security pact of its own with the Pacific island nation. Australian Prime Minister Anthony …

Solomon Islands agreed to accord after China references axed
2 years, 3 months ago

Solomon Islands agreed to accord after China references axed

Associated Press  

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Solomon Islands agreed to sign an accord between the United States and more than a dozen Pacific nations only after indirect references to China were removed, the Solomon Islands foreign minister said Tuesday. Ahead of the summit, diplomats had said Solomon Islands was signaling it was unlikely to sign the joint declaration, which would have represented …

US has agreed Pacific Islands deal, offering ‘big dollar numbers’
2 years, 3 months ago

US has agreed Pacific Islands deal, offering ‘big dollar numbers’

Al Jazeera  

The US is looking to reengage in a region where China has been steadily expanding its influence. The United States says it has agreed on a partnership with the Pacific Islands that offers the prospect of “big dollar” help to a region where China has been expanding its influence. Among the measures, the US plans to expand its diplomatic footprint …

Solomon Islands refusing to sign 11-point declaration at historic Pacific-US meeting
2 years, 3 months ago

Solomon Islands refusing to sign 11-point declaration at historic Pacific-US meeting

ABC  

Solomon Islands has signalled it won't sign on to an 11-point declaration between the United States and Pacific Island nations this week, dealing a blow to the White House ahead of a high-profile presidential summit with Pacific leaders in Washington. Key points: The declaration is expected to be signed when US President Joe Biden and Pacific leaders meet this week …

Solomon Islands rejects ‘inappropriate’ Australian election offer
2 years, 4 months ago

Solomon Islands rejects ‘inappropriate’ Australian election offer

Al Jazeera  

Government accused Australia of interfering in domestic affairs by offering to fund the islands’ 2023 elections. The Solomon Islands has rejected an offer by Australia to finance the country’s upcoming election, saying the timing of the public release of the overture was “inappropriate” and accused Canberra of meddling in domestic affairs. The Pacific island’s government said in a statement on …

Honiara reacts angrily after Australia offers to help fund Solomon Islands election amid moves to postpone the poll
2 years, 4 months ago

Honiara reacts angrily after Australia offers to help fund Solomon Islands election amid moves to postpone the poll

ABC  

The Solomon Islands government has slammed an Australian offer to fund national elections next year, calling it an "assault" on its democracy and an attempt at foreign interference. Key points: Australia is formally offering to fund the Solomon Islands election but the proposal is yet to be accepted The offer comes as the Prime Minister attempts to fast-track a bill …

Solomon Islands asks navies not to send ships pending review
2 years, 4 months ago

Solomon Islands asks navies not to send ships pending review

Associated Press  

CANBERRA, Australia — The Solomon Islands on Wednesday asked countries to not send naval vessels to the South Pacific nation until approval processes are overhauled, amid concerns over a new security pact between the Solomons and China. The government made the request after the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Oliver Henry and the British navy patrol boat HMS Spey canceled planned …

Solomon Islands suspends all naval visits: US embassy
2 years, 4 months ago

Solomon Islands suspends all naval visits: US embassy

Al Jazeera  

Move comes a week after a US Coast Guard vessel was blocked from refuelling in the Solomons capital of Honiara. In a statement on Tuesday, the US embassy in the Australian capital, Canberra, said it has “received formal notification from the Government of Solomon Islands regarding a moratorium on all naval visits, pending updates in protocol procedures”. The move came …

Beijing's actions not limited to South China Sea, says Taiwan foreign minister | Exclusive
2 years, 4 months ago

Beijing's actions not limited to South China Sea, says Taiwan foreign minister | Exclusive

India Today  

In an exclusive interview with India Today, Taiwan’s foreign minister Joseph Wu took aim at Beijing and said the democracies of the world must unite to counter China’s hegemonic activities. Wu’s defiant stance comes at a time when tensions between Taiwan and China are at an all-time high after Beijing took umbrage against US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to …

Why China is deepening its Solomon Islands ties by funding $66 million Huawei deal
2 years, 4 months ago

Why China is deepening its Solomon Islands ties by funding $66 million Huawei deal

Firstpost  

The deal marks the first financing the island’s country has received from Beijing since it signed a secretive security pact in April, following the severing of diplomatic links to Taiwan Sydney: The Solomon Islands said Thursday that it had secured a $66 million loan from China to fund tech giant Huawei building 161 telecommunications towers across the Pacific nation. The …

How the Solomon Islands illustrates China’s growing influence in the Pacific
2 years, 4 months ago

How the Solomon Islands illustrates China’s growing influence in the Pacific

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. A base?” said opposition lawmaker Peter Kenilorea Jr. “Sooner …

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare's government wants to delay election due to Pacific Games
2 years, 5 months ago

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare's government wants to delay election due to Pacific Games

ABC  

A leading Solomon Islands opposition MP has called on Australia to offer funding to try and ensure the country can hold elections next year. Key points: Solomon Islands MP Peter Kenilorea Jr told the ABC Australia should offer to fund elections in 2023 He says this would help by "quelling the argument being made there is no money for elections" …

Solomon Islands orders national broadcaster SIBC not to report content critical of government
2 years, 5 months ago

Solomon Islands orders national broadcaster SIBC not to report content critical of government

ABC  

The Solomon Islands government has ordered the country's national broadcaster to self-censor its news and other paid programs and only allow content that portrays the nation's government in a positive light. Key points: The Solomon Islands government is seizing financial and editorial control of the Pacific nation's public broadcaster The government says its censorship will protect the public from "misinformation …

Chinese company eyes Solomon Islands deep-water port
2 years, 5 months ago

Chinese company eyes Solomon Islands deep-water port

Associated Press  

CANBERRA, Australia — A Chinese state-owned company is negotiating to buy a forestry planation with a deep-water port and World War II airstrip in Solomon Islands amid persistent concerns that China wants to establish a naval foothold in the South Pacific country. The board of Kolombangara Forest Products Ltd., the takeover target known as KFPL which is owned by Taiwanese …

Solomons leader: Chinese base would make his people targets
2 years, 5 months ago

Solomons leader: Chinese base would make his people targets

Associated Press  

SUVA, Fiji — Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said Thursday that his country’s new security pact with Beijing would not allow China to build a military base on the South Pacific nation and make his citizens “targets for potential military strikes.” Sogavare struck an agreement with Beijing in April to provide security support. He used a meeting of Pacific …

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confident there will be no Chinese military base in Solomon Islands
2 years, 5 months ago

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confident there will be no Chinese military base in Solomon Islands

ABC  

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declared he is "very confident" Solomon Islands won't allow China to establish a military base in the country, after meeting with its Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare. Key points: Both leaders say that there will be no foreign military base in Solomon Islands Prime Minister Sogavare says Australia is still his nation's preferred security partner However, …

Jacinda Ardern says New Zealand's no-nuclear line on AUKUS subs met with 'understanding and appreciation' in Australia
2 years, 6 months ago

Jacinda Ardern says New Zealand's no-nuclear line on AUKUS subs met with 'understanding and appreciation' in Australia

ABC  

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has reaffirmed her country's long-standing policy of not allowing nuclear-powered vessels in its waters, saying the rule was well understood in Australia. Key points: Jacinda Ardern says New Zealand will continue to take a "strong, principled position" on its nuclear-free zone New Zealand banned ships with nuclear weapons and nuclear-powered vessels in its waters …

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare thanks China, refuses to answer questions from Australian press
2 years, 6 months ago

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare thanks China, refuses to answer questions from Australian press

ABC  

Solomon Islands Prime Minster Manasseh Sogavare has singled out China for special thanks in a speech marking the country's national independence day. Key points: Manasseh Sogavare praises China, while also saying there are "forces of evil" in his country of more than 900 islands He says Beijing has demonstrated itself as a "worthy partner" in just three years Local media …

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