Solomon Islands stated on Tuesday that it had “not been comfortable” with several oblique allusions to China in the first draught of a US-Pacific cooperation statement.
Jeremiah Manele, the foreign minister of the Solomon Islands, was questioned by journalists in New Zealand over his nation’s alleged reservations regarding the joint statement, which was signed in Washington last week.
The foreign minister stated, “In the first text there were several allusions that we were not happy with.
We don’t want to be “put in a situation where we have to select sides,” Manele added. These “put us in a position where we have to choose sides.”
When asked if there were any references to China, he said, “Indirectly.”
Solomon Nations was able to ratify the final proclamation thanks to discussions between the US and 14 Pacific islands, according to Manele.
Since its victory in World War II, the US has played a significant role in the South Pacific.
However, China has made a concerted effort to impose itself in recent years through investment, police training, and, most contentiously, a security agreement with the Solomon Islands.
US President Joe Biden last week pledged $810 million in additional financing for the Pacific islands and signed a joint statement with them vowing a tighter US-Pacific alliance in an effort to counter Beijing’s expanding influence in the area.
Manasseh Sogavare, the prime minister of the Solomon Islands, told AFP in Washington at the time that the discussions had “positively” addressed his concerns.
