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 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. Western officials said China could use the security pact to build a military base in the country —something the Pacific nation’s prime minister, Manasseh Sogavare, has repeatedly denied. Sogavare’s comments were slammed as a “lame excuse” by opposition leader Matthew Wale, who told The Guardian that any delay to the polls would amount to “an abuse of the people’s right to exercise their vote.” The next election — due to be held before September 2023 — will be the country’s first since widespread rioting by anti-Sogavare protests broke out in Honiara last year.

Security China Country Pacific Beijing Solomon Islands Solomon Sogavare Huawei Deal  ties  solomon  huawei  deal  country  islands  security  deepening  pact  66  solomons  beijing  million  towers  funding  china

History of this topic

Solomon Islands PM Manele’s Foreign Visits: More Than a Mere Balancing Act
4 months, 3 weeks 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 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, 1 week 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, 1 week 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, 1 week 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 …

Nation ready to strengthen bond with Solomon Islands
5 months, 2 weeks ago

Nation ready to strengthen bond with Solomon Islands

China Daily  

President Xi Jinping sent a message to David Tiva Kapu on Monday, congratulating him on taking office as governor general of the Solomon Islands. Noting that this year marks the fifth anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the Pacific island country, Xi said that over the past five years, the two countries have continuously deepened their political mutual trust, …

Chinese premier congratulates Solomon Islands' new PM on assuming office
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Chinese premier congratulates Solomon Islands' new PM on assuming office

China Daily  

BEIJING -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Monday congratulated Jeremiah Manele on his assuming office as prime minister of the Solomon Islands. In his congratulatory message, Li said that China and the Solomon Islands are comprehensive strategic partners featuring mutual respect and common development for a new era. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations five years ago, Li said, bilateral …

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

Solomon Islanders vote in election that could shape ties with China
8 months, 1 week ago

Solomon Islanders vote in election that could shape ties with China

Al Jazeera  

Australia, China, US are watching poll outcome for impact on regional security, although voters are more focused on healthcare and education. Some analysts have described the election as “perhaps the most important to Solomon Islands since independence” because of its potential to reshape the country’s ties with China. Sogavare, who became prime minister in the 2019 election, in his fourth …

Solomon Islands' elections could impact China's influence in the South Pacific
8 months, 1 week ago

Solomon Islands' elections could impact China's influence in the South 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 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. Current Prime Minister Prime Minister …

Fiji's leader says he hopes to work with China in upgrading his country's shipyards and ports
1 year, 1 month ago

Fiji's leader says he hopes to work with China in upgrading his country's shipyards and ports

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, 1 month 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, …

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 …

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 …

China, Solomon Islands elevate ‘strategic’ ties
1 year, 5 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 …

Despite Biden’s Absence, US Makes Inroads With Pacific Islands
1 year, 6 months ago

Despite Biden’s Absence, US Makes Inroads With Pacific Islands

The Diplomat  

While disappointment lingered over U.S. President Joe Biden’s decision to cancel his trip to Papua New Guinea last month, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken attended meetings in Port Moresby in his stead. Among the major deliverables, the United States signed a new security pact with Papua New Guinea, seen as a key victory in the competition with China for …

China in the Pacific: The Fiji Case
1 year, 7 months ago

China in the Pacific: The Fiji Case

The Diplomat  

Much has changed in the Pacific in the year since Solomon Islands signed a security agreement with China in April 2022. When Bainimarama grasped power in a 2006 military coup, his ostracism by Fiji’s traditional partners in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States was China’s great gain. In turn, Bainimarama adopted a “look north” policy that embraced China’s growing …

US signs new security pact with Papua New Guinea amid competition with China
1 year, 7 months ago

US signs new security pact with Papua New Guinea amid competition with China

Associated Press  

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea — The United States signed a new security pact with Papua New Guinea on Monday as it competes with China for influence in the Pacific. The State Department said the new agreement provides a framework to help improve security cooperation, enhance the capacity of Papua New Guinea’s defense force and increase regional stability. Papua New …

U.S. signs new security pact with Papua New Guinea amid competition with China
1 year, 7 months ago

U.S. signs new security pact with Papua New Guinea amid competition with China

LA Times  

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, left, shakes hands with Papua New Guinean Prime Minister James Marape at a meeting Monday in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The U.S. signed a new security pact with Papua New Guinea on Monday as it competes with China for influence in the Pacific. The State Department said the new agreement provides a framework …

US to open Vanuatu embassy in latest move to counter China in Pacific
1 year, 8 months ago

US to open Vanuatu embassy in latest move to counter China in Pacific

ABC  

The United States plans to open an embassy in the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, the State Department has said, in Washington's latest move to boost its diplomatic presence in the Pacific to counter China's growing influence. Key points: The United States has diplomatic relations with Vanuatu Currently the US is represented by diplomats based in Papua New Guinea …

State-backed Chinese company wins contract to develop key port in Solomon Islands
1 year, 9 months ago

State-backed Chinese company wins contract to develop key port in Solomon Islands

Firstpost  

Solomon Islands’ government on Tuesday announced that the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation had been chosen to lead a $170 million project to develop the international port in the capital Honiara Sydney, Australia: A state-backed Chinese company has won a contract to develop a key port in the Solomon Islands, a major victory in Beijing’s quest to gain a strategic …

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 opens embassy in Solomon Islands to counter China
1 year, 10 months ago

US opens embassy in Solomon Islands to counter China

Associated Press  

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — The United States opened an embassy in the Solomon Islands on Thursday in its latest move to counter China’s push into the Pacific. The U.S. State Department notified lawmakers early last year that China’s growing influence in the region made reopening the Solomon Islands embassy a priority. “We are seeing this bond weaken as the People’s …

US reopens Solomons embassy after 30 years in bid to counter China
1 year, 10 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, 10 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
1 year, 11 months 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
1 year, 11 months 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 {{ …

Solomon Islands PM says foreign military sites ‘never’ allowed
2 years, 2 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, 2 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, 2 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 …

New report shows the Chinese Communist Party launched coordinated disinformation campaign after Solomon Islands riots
2 years, 2 months ago

New report shows the Chinese Communist Party launched coordinated disinformation campaign after Solomon Islands riots

ABC  

The Chinese government has been running a coordinated disinformation campaign in Solomon Islands, suggesting that Australia, the United States and Taiwan fomented the riots that rocked the capital Honiara last year, according to new analysis by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. Key points: China's attempts to shape public attitudes have achieved mixed results A report found negative comments about China …

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

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare's government wants to delay election due to Pacific Games
2 years, 4 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, 4 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, 4 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 …

In Pacific islands, US diplomatic push stirs memories of neglect
2 years, 5 months ago

In Pacific islands, US diplomatic push stirs memories of neglect

Al Jazeera  

As United States Vice President Kamala Harris unveiled a major ramping up of US aid and diplomacy in Pacific island countries on Wednesday, she acknowledged that they had not always received the “attention and support that you deserve”. Speaking after Harris’ announcement, Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama said the US “is certainly looking a lot more like the Pacific partner …

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare thanks China, refuses to answer questions from Australian press
2 years, 5 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 …

US officials find China-Solomon Islands security deal 'very troubling', internal emails reveal
2 years, 6 months ago

US officials find China-Solomon Islands security deal 'very troubling', internal emails reveal

ABC  

United States officials described the signing of a security pact between China and Solomon Islands as "very troubling" in internal emails, a freedom of information request has revealed. Key points: In emails, US officials said the deal's signing was "troubling" and "very unfortunate" The West has voiced concerns the deal could open the door for a potential military presence in …

‘Very troubling’: Emails reveal US alarm over China-Solomons pact
2 years, 6 months ago

‘Very troubling’: Emails reveal US alarm over China-Solomons pact

Al Jazeera  

Officials at the US foreign aid agency reacted with alarm to news of a controversial security pact between China and the Solomon Islands, describing the agreement as “very troubling” and “unfortunate”, newly released internal emails show. “The press and academia in Canberra and Wellington are making those same comparisons from 2019, too, referring that again we got ‘played’ by the …

Penny Wong to visit New Zealand, Solomon Islands amid concern over climate change, China security pact
2 years, 6 months ago

Penny Wong to visit New Zealand, Solomon Islands amid concern over climate change, China security pact

ABC  

Foreign Minister Penny Wong will travel to New Zealand and Solomon Islands this week to discuss climate change and regional security in what will be her third visit to the Pacific since being sworn in last month. Key points: Senator Wong will meet her Wellington counterpart Nanaia Mahuta on Thursday On Friday she will visit Honiara to meet Solomon Islands …

Xi Jinping announces plans to allow Chinese military to undertake 'armed forces operations' abroad
2 years, 6 months ago

Xi Jinping announces plans to allow Chinese military to undertake 'armed forces operations' abroad

ABC  

Analysts say China's leader Xi Jinping has set the legal basis for an expansion of the Chinese military's role in other countries, just weeks after Beijing signed a security pact with Solomon Islands. With little published detail, Mr Xi's government declared he had signed off on a set of new trial outlines that allowed for Chinese "armed forces operations" that …

China-Solomon Islands security deal could lead to a 'difficult' situation for Australian troops in Honiara
2 years, 6 months ago

China-Solomon Islands security deal could lead to a 'difficult' situation for Australian troops in Honiara

ABC  

A former Australian diplomat is warning the new Solomon Islands and China security pact could see both Australian and Chinese troops on the ground in the Pacific Nation at the same time. Key points: Australia deployed a peacekeeping force to Honiara after anti-Chinese riots took place in November last year Under the security agreement between Solomon Islands and China, Beijing …

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