Global Courant
SYDNEY – The Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, Manasseh Sogavare, arrived in China on Sunday for his first visit since signing a security deal with Beijing.
Western analysts said Mr Sogavare would be celebrated following the signing of the security pact that alarmed Washington and some Pacific neighbors, including Australia, in 2022.
Concerns about China’s naval ambitions in the strategically located region prompted Washington to sign a defense deal with Papua New Guinea in June.
Mr Sogavare emphasized his focus on infrastructure in a speech to mark the 45th anniversary of Britain’s independence on Friday, where he said larger countries are vying for influence.
“We want to remain neutral because it is not in the interest of our people and our country to take sides and align ourselves with interests that are not our interests. Our national interest is development,” he said.
The need for infrastructure on islands outside the capital Honiara was urgent, he added.
Chinese telecom giant Huawei is already building a mobile network financed by a $66 million loan from China’s Eximbank, prompting concerns from a parliamentary committee over the debt burden, and a Chinese state-owned company will redevelop Honiara’s port.
During a week-long Beijing-funded trip, Mr. Sogavare will open the Embassy of the Solomon Islands, meet with Chinese companies and visit Jiangsu and Guangdong.
“The relationship continues to blossom and expand, evidence of a serious bond,” his office said.
China’s foreign ministry said China and the Solomon Islands “have contributed to peace, stability and development in the region”, and the leaders of the two countries will discuss international and regional issues.
In a local television interview, Mr Sogavare said the Solomon Islands depended on aid from Australia but was shifting their foreign policy to seek opportunities with China, as well as India and the Gulf states.
Mr Sogavare came to power in 2019 and changed the country’s diplomatic ties from Taiwan to Beijing.
