In a move that further intensifies the ongoing U.S.-China rivalry in the South Pacific, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare paid a visit to Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang on July 10. The meeting resulted in the signing of several agreements on policy, economic, and technical cooperation, raising concerns in Washington and Australia about Beijing's expanding influence in the region.
The Solomon Islands, strategically located 1,200 miles northeast of Australia, has become China's biggest success story in its campaign to expand its presence in the South Pacific. In 2019, Sogavare's government switched its official recognition from Taiwan to Beijing, causing unease among Western powers. This shift allowed China to gain a foothold in the region and prompted concerns over the potential establishment of Chinese military forces in the South Pacific.
During the visit, Prime Minister Sogavare expressed admiration for China's development experience and called for enhanced bilateral interaction and cooperation. He also emphasized the need for dialogue to strengthen relations between the two countries. Premier Li echoed these sentiments, stating that China and the Solomon Islands have established a comprehensive strategic partnership of mutual respect and common development.
The Solomon Islands' secretive security agreement with Beijing, which raised speculation about Chinese military presence, was met with denials from Sogavare. He asserted that his government has no intention of allowing China a military foothold in the region. It is worth noting that Kiribati, another nearby island nation, also switched its official relations to Beijing in 2019.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping expressed China's desire to expand relations and trade through its Belt and Road Initiative, a global infrastructure development project. Xi highlighted China's support for Chinese enterprises to invest and establish businesses in the region, acknowledging the challenges faced by Pacific Island countries, such as climate change. This aligns with China's effort to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the Pacific Island nations.
The Solomon Islands' deepening ties with China have sparked concerns in the United States, prompting the Biden administration to announce plans to reopen an American Embassy in the country. In September, president Biden convened a summit of Pacific Island leaders to unveil a strategy focusing on cooperation in climate change, maritime security, and preventing overfishing. The United States pledged $810mn in new aid to Pacific Island nations over the next decade, with $130mn specifically allocated to address climate change effects.
Agreements signed on July 10 by Solomon Islands and Chinese officials included an implementation plan for police cooperation through 2025.
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