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China-Australia relations
ChinaDiplomacy

Solomon Islands may lead way as China eyes greater South Pacific role

  • Chinese President Xi Jinping told visiting Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare that the friendship between the two countries is ‘leading the way’ in the region
  • Diplomatic observers believe Beijing might be looking to expand the role played by its Belt and Road Initiative

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Chinese President Xi Jinping and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare shake hands at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Photo: Reuters
Hayley Wong
The South Pacific could provide a “new focus” for China’s Belt and Road Initiative after this week’s visit by the Solomon Islands’ Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, according to diplomatic observers.
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Sogavare met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday, and the two leaders pledged to establish a “comprehensive strategic partnership” and form “greater synergy” between the transcontinental infrastructure project and the islands’ 2035 development strategy.

“Although our friendship arrived belatedly, it is leading the way in relations between China and the Pacific Islands,” Xi told Sogavare.

Last year the Solomon Islands government was criticised by the United States for signing a secretive security pact with China. Neither of the governments has released a full version of the agreement, but China has offered increased police training and equipment to the Solomons since then.

Australia, the island’s traditional police force partner, also reacted by stepping up police supplies and has urged the island government to renew its own security treaty.

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This week, Sogavare signed a raft of deals with Premier Li Qiang, covering development, trade, infrastructure, and policing – allowing China to maintain a police presence in the Solomon Islands for another three years. He also invited the Chinese leaders for a return visit “at an early date”.

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