China and Solomon Islands establish comprehensive strategic partnership

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare began a highly successful visit to China on July 9 2023. Meeting with President Xi Jinping the following day, the two sides jointly announced the official establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership featuring mutual respect and common development for a new era.

President Xi noted that China and Solomon Islands are trustworthy friends and dependable partners to each other. He said that since the two countries established diplomatic relations, their friendly cooperation has become a pacesetter for the relations between China and other island countries in the Pacific in spite of a relatively late start. He said their cooperation is a paradigm of unity, cooperation and common development for countries of different sizes, and for developing countries. He further stressed that China greatly appreciates Solomon Islands’ firm adherence to the one-China principle, supports Solomon Islands in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and development interests, and supports the development path that the country itself has chosen.

“China is supporting more Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Solomon Islands, and will continue to provide economic and technical assistance to the country without any political strings attached,” Xi said, adding that China supports Solomon Islands in hosting the 17th Pacific Games.

China fully respects the cultural traditions of Pacific island countries, and adheres to harmony in diversity and shared beauty of diverse cultures and also understands that island countries in the Pacific face severe challenges caused by climate change, and stands ready to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with them in such areas as meteorological services, disaster prevention and mitigation, and clean energy to help them implement the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Xi said.

Noting that the decision to establish diplomatic relations with China was a correct choice, Sogavare said fruitful outcomes have been achieved in bilateral ties and China has become Solomon Islands’ largest infrastructure partner and a reliable development partner.

After the meeting, the two sides released the Joint Statement on Establishing a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Featuring Mutual Respect and Common Development for a New Era Between the People’s Republic of China and Solomon Islands.

Meeting with his host, Premier Li Qiang on the same day, Sogavare said that Solomon Islands attaches great importance to relations with China, appreciates China’s active assistance for the economic and social development of Solomon Islands and other island countries in the Pacific, and supports the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by China.

Li noted that China is willing to share development opportunities with Solomon Islands, synergize development strategies further, and expand cooperation on trade and investment, infrastructure construction, agriculture, tourism, forestry and fisheries, information and communication, and energy and mineral resources.

According to the Joint Statement, “The two sides agreed that since the establishment of diplomatic ties four years ago, China-Solomon Islands relations have developed rapidly and remained at the forefront of relations between China and Pacific Island countries, becoming an example of unity, cooperation, mutual support and mutual benefit between developing countries.”

They added that they “agreed that all countries, regardless of size, strength and wealth, are equals, and that their sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected. The Chinese side reaffirmed its staunch support for Solomon Islands’ nation building process and to choose a development path suited to its national conditions and in upholding its sovereignty, security and development interests. The Solomon Islands side reaffirmed that it is resolutely committed to the one-China principle, that the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory.”

In one of the most internationally noted aspects of China/Solomon Islands cooperation, the two countries agreed to enhance cooperation on law enforcement and security matters. “The Chinese side will continue to provide support and help to Solomon Islands as needed in strengthening Solomon Islands’ police law enforcement capacity. The two sides agreed to step up protection of the safety and lawful rights and interests of each other’s nationals and institutions in their countries.”

China’s assistance to Solomon Islands in this regard has been a particular focus of imperialist ire, with allegations that it infringes on the island nation’s sovereignty and independence. In fact, what really concerns the imperialist and colonialist powers is how this cooperation with China is precisely what is enabling Solomon Islands to assert and enhance its independence. Australia, which sees itself as the United States’ “deputy sheriff” in the South Pacific, has hitherto asserted its right to intervene, in a ‘policing’ capacity under an unequal 2017 security treaty, which Prime Minister Sogavare, secure in his friendly relationship with China, called to be reviewed in June.

The joint statement further said that the two sides are “committed to working with all sides to promote peace, development and stability in the Pacific Islands region, and firmly uphold the international nuclear non-proliferation regime with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as the cornerstone and the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty.” In a clear rebuke to Japan and to the AUKUS military alliance of Australia, Britain and the United States, it added that they “urge relevant countries to fulfill their international obligations and prudently handle issues such as the discharge of nuclear contaminated water and cooperation on nuclear submarine.”

In conclusion, “Prime Minister Sogavare expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Chinese side for the generous hospitality accorded to him during his visit, and extended an invitation to the Chinese leaders to visit Solomon Islands at an early date.”

Sogavare was elected as Prime Minister of Solomon Islands for a fourth time in April 2019 and established diplomatic relations with China in September that year. Since then his government has been subjected to tremendous pressure, both overt and covert, from the United States, Australia and other imperialist powers, but far from retreating, he has actively consolidated and developed the friendly relationship with China, proving himself to be a leader of courage, principle and integrity. This is already providing tangible benefits to his country. Chinese telecoms giant Huawei is building a cellular network whilst a Chinese state company is to redevelop the port in the capital Honiara.

Analyzing the visit, Niu Li, executive director of the Pacific Research Center at Beijing Foreign Studies University, told the Chinese newspaper Global Times that from establishing diplomatic ties with China in 2019 to signing the security pact in 2022, then to Sogavare’s current visit, “the Solomon Islands has shown its determination to defend its national sovereignty and is striving to get rid of being controlled regardless of the pressure from the US and its allies like Australia.”

The Chinese scholar added that the reaffirmation of strategic cooperation between China and Solomon Islands will encourage other Pacific Island countries to cooperate with China. “The China-Solomon Islands cooperation will serve as a model for other Pacific Island countries, which have come under long-standing bullying and control of the US-led Western powers, to defend their national sovereignty and autonomy.”

During his visit, Sogavare also officially opened the Solomon Islands embassy in Beijing, alongside China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi.

The following reports were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency and Global Times.

Xi meets Sogavare, urging enhanced China-Solomon Islands cooperation

Xinhua, 11 July 2023

BEIJING, July 10 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping met with visiting Prime Minister of Solomon Islands Manasseh Sogavare in Beijing on Monday afternoon.

The two sides jointly announced the official establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership featuring mutual respect and common development for a new era.

Xi noted that China and Solomon Islands are trustworthy friends and dependable partners to each other. He said that since the two countries established diplomatic relations, their friendly cooperation has become a pacesetter for the relations between China and other island countries in the Pacific in spite of a relatively late start. He said their cooperation is a paradigm of unity, cooperation and common development for countries of different sizes, and for developing countries.

Facts have proved that the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Solomon Islands is a correct choice that is in conformity with the trend of the times and in line with the general international situation, and serves fundamental interests of the two peoples, Xi said.

“China is ready to enhance strategic communication and deepen cooperation in various fields with Solomon Islands to ensure the steady progress of the bilateral ties and bring more benefits to the two peoples,” Xi said.

He stressed that China greatly appreciates Solomon Islands’ firm adherence to the one-China principle, supports Solomon Islands in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and development interests, and supports the development path that the country itself has chosen.

China is committed to running its own affairs well, and will always be a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development and a defender of the international order, Xi noted.

He said that to help Solomon Islands ensure development and long-term stability, China is ready to share the development opportunities brought by Chinese modernization, strengthen synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Solomon Islands’ Development Strategy 2035, expand practical cooperation in various fields, and expand imports from Solomon Islands.

“China is supporting more Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Solomon Islands, and will continue to provide economic and technical assistance to the country without any political strings attached,” Xi said. He urged the two sides to expand friendly exchanges in fields like medical care and education, and said that China supports Solomon Islands in hosting the 17th Pacific Games.

Xi pointed out that China fully respects the sovereignty and independence of Pacific island countries, and upholds the equality of all countries, big or small.

China fully respects the will of Pacific island countries and pursues extensive consultation, joint contribution, shared benefits and win-win results. China fully respects the cultural traditions of Pacific island countries, and adheres to harmony in diversity and shared beauty of diverse cultures. China fully respects the unity and self-reliance of Pacific island countries, and supports them in implementing the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, contributing to the building of a peaceful, harmonious, secure, inclusive and prosperous Blue Pacific, Xi said.

China understands that island countries in the Pacific face severe challenges caused by climate change, and stands ready to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with them in such areas as meteorological services, disaster prevention and mitigation, and clean energy to help them implement the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Xi said.

He also said that China is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Solomon Islands, uphold genuine multilateralism, safeguard international fairness and justice, jointly oppose the Cold War mentality and hegemonism, and safeguard peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

Noting that the decision to establish diplomatic relations with China was a correct choice, Sogavare said fruitful outcomes have been achieved in bilateral ties and China has become Solomon Islands’ largest infrastructure partner and a reliable development partner.

Solomon Islands firmly adheres to the one-China principle and is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with China, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in trade, investment, cultural and sub-national areas, and jointly respond to global challenges such as climate change, Sogavare said, adding that the country opposes any actions that contain or aim to contain China’s development.

After the meeting, the two sides released the Joint Statement on Establishing a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Featuring Mutual Respect and Common Development for a New Era Between the People’s Republic of China And Solomon Islands. 

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Chinese premier holds talks with prime minister of Solomon Islands

Xinhua, 11 July 2023

BEIJING, July 10 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang held talks with visiting Prime Minister of Solomon Islands Manasseh Sogavare on Monday in Beijing.

Li said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties nearly four years ago, relations between China and Solomon Islands have developed rapidly and yielded fruitful results, and the two countries have decided to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership featuring mutual respect and common development in the new era.

Standing at a new, historic starting point, China is ready to deepen political mutual trust with Solomon Islands, he said. China is ready to continue working with Solomon Islands to firmly support each other’s core interests and major concerns, expand dialogue and exchanges in various fields and at all levels, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, and upgrade bilateral relations, he added.

Li noted that China is willing to share development opportunities with Solomon Islands, synergize development strategies further, and expand cooperation on trade and investment, infrastructure construction, agriculture, tourism, forestry and fisheries, information and communication, and energy and mineral resources. China is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Solomon Islands in the fields of culture, education, health and local affairs, he said.

He stressed that China will continue to strengthen South-South cooperation with the Pacific Islands on climate change, and enhance their capacity for independent development and risk response. He said China is ready to work with Solomon Islands to uphold true multilateralism, and strengthen coordination and cooperation under the United Nations, the Pacific Islands Forum and other multilateral mechanisms.

Sogavare said that Solomon Islands attaches great importance to relations with China, appreciates China’s active assistance for the economic and social development of Solomon Islands and other island countries in the Pacific, and supports the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by China.

He said he greatly appreciates China’s important roles in maintaining regional and world peace, promoting sustainable development and responding to global challenges. He said Solomon Islands abides by the one-China principle, is willing to learn from China’s development experience, and will continue to deepen exchanges and cooperation with China on trade, investment, people-to-people exchanges and climate change, so as to achieve common development.

After the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signature of a number of bilateral cooperation documents on development cooperation, trade, civil aviation, customs and meteorology. 

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Full text: Joint Statement on Establishing a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Featuring Mutual Respect and Common Development for a New Era Between the People’s Republic of China and Solomon Islands

Xinhua, 10 July 2023

The following is the full text of a joint statement released by China and Solomon Islands on Monday.

Joint Statement on Establishing a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Featuring Mutual Respect and Common Development for a New Era Between the People’s Republic of China and Solomon Islands

At the invitation of Premier Li Qiang of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare of Solomon Islands paid an official visit to the People’s Republic of China from July 9 to 15, 2023.

During the visit, President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, Premier Li Qiang held talks with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress Zhao Leji met with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare. The leaders of the two countries had an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest, and reached important consensus. The two sides agreed that since the establishment of diplomatic ties four years ago, China-Solomon Islands relations have developed rapidly and remained at the forefront of relations between China and Pacific Island Countries, becoming an example of unity, cooperation, mutual support and mutual benefit between developing countries. To enhance strategic guidance of China-Solomon Islands relations, the two sides decided to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership featuring mutual respect and common development for a new era.

1. The Solomon Islands side spoke highly of China’s historic achievements and transformation over the past 10 years of the new era, and believes that under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, China will become a great modern socialist country in all respects, and advance the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization.

The Chinese side applauded the significant accomplishments made by Solomon Islands in developing its economy, improving livelihoods and maintaining stability under the leadership of Prime Minister Sogavare, expressed readiness to continue supporting Solomon Islands in achieving development, vitalization and long-term stability, and wished the 17th Pacific Games to be held in Solomon Islands a full success.

2. The two sides agreed that all countries, regardless of size, strength and wealth, are equals, and that their sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected. The Chinese side reaffirmed its staunch support for Solomon Islands nation building process and to choose a development path suited to its national conditions and in upholding its sovereignty, security and development interests. The Solomon Islands side reaffirmed that it is resolutely committed to the one-China principle, that the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, that it opposes “Taiwan Independence” in all forms, and that it firmly supports all efforts made by the Chinese government to realize national reunification. Solomon Islands supports China’s position on issues related to Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Tibet, etc., and opposes interference by any country in the internal affairs of other countries under the pretext of democracy or human rights.

3. The two sides agreed to work together to build a comprehensive strategic partnership featuring mutual respect and common development for a new era across the board:

— Establish and enhance high-level exchanges and interactions at all levels, expand exchanges between governments, legislatures, political parties and subnational entities, step up sharing of governance experience, and steadily enhance political mutual trust.

— Promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, form greater synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the 2035 Development Strategy of Solomon Islands, expand practical cooperation in a wide range of areas including trade and investment, agriculture, forestry, fishery, rural development, infrastructure including disaster resilient infrastructure, energy and minerals, information and communications, marine resource protection and exploitation, finance, civil aviation, low emission and green development, and digital economy. The Chinese side will continue to provide assistance to Solomon Islands to the best of its ability to help it achieve independent and sustainable development, including supporting rural sustainable development project of Solomon Islands.

— Expand exchanges and cooperation in areas such as culture, education, health, sports, tourism, youth, think tank and the media and at the subnational level. China will continue to provide government scholarships and various kinds of training opportunities including maritime support and send medical teams to Solomon Islands. The Peace Ark hospital ship of the Chinese Navy will visit Solomon Islands and provide humanitarian medical service in 2023. The two sides formally signed the Agreement Between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Solomon Islands Relating to Civil Air Transport, and are committed to launching direct flights between the two countries as early as possible.

— Enhance cooperation on law enforcement and security matters. The Chinese side will continue to provide support and help to Solomon Islands as needed in strengthening Solomon Islands’ police law enforcement capacity. The two sides agreed to step up protection of the safety and lawful rights and interests of each other’s nationals and institutions in their countries.

— Strengthen communication and cooperation on international and regional affairs. Defend the international system with the U.N. at its core, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter. Practice true multilateralism, firmly uphold international fairness and justice, oppose hegemonism and power politics, reject unilateralism in all forms, and stand against camp-based, exclusive “small circles” targeting specific countries. Oppose protectionism, erection of walls and barriers, decoupling, and cutting supply chains, and reject imposition of unilateral sanctions and maximum pressure.

— Advocate humanity’s common values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries. Be committed to building a community with a shared future for mankind, and jointly implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. China welcomes Solomon Islands’ decision to join the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative.

4. The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation under multilateral mechanisms such as the China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development Cooperation Forum, and under multilateral cooperation frameworks concerning humanitarian, emergency supplies, climate response, poverty alleviation and development, disaster prevention and mitigation, Juncao technology, agriculture, etc., to deepen and cement the cooperation between China and Pacific Island Countries as a whole.

— China reaffirmed its active support for Pacific Island Countries in their implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, and is ready to strengthen South-South cooperation with Pacific Island Countries on climate response, and work for full and effective implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement under the principles of fairness, common but differentiated responsibilities, and respective capabilities.

— The two sides are committed to working with all sides to promote peace, development and stability in the Pacific Islands region, and firmly uphold the international nuclear non-proliferation regime with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as the cornerstone and the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty. The two sides urge relevant countries to fulfill their international obligations and prudently handle issues such as the discharge of nuclear contaminated water and cooperation on nuclear submarine.

5. During the visit, the two sides signed cooperation documents in the fields of development cooperation, trade, infrastructure development, civil aviation, education, police affairs, customs and meteorology. The two sides agreed that the successful visit of Prime Minister Sogavare holds great significance for elevating China-Solomon Islands relations and building an even closer community with a shared future between China and Pacific Island Countries. Prime Minister Sogavare expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Chinese side for the generous hospitality accorded to him during his visit, and extended an invitation to the Chinese leaders to visit Solomon Islands at an early date.

Beijing, July 10, 2023 

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China, Solomon Islands ink comprehensive strategic partnership

Global Times, 10 July 2023

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday afternoon met with visiting Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands Manasseh Sogavare in Beijing. The two sides jointly announced the official establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership featuring mutual respect and common development for a new era, with experts saying that China’s successful relations with the Solomon Islands have set an example to guide future cooperation between China and the Pacific Island countries.  

Xi said at the meeting with the visiting prime minister of the Solomon Islands that as China and Pacific Island countries are all developing countries, they should strengthen mutual help and assistance under the framework of South-South cooperation.

Xi pointed out that China fully respects the sovereignty and independence of Pacific Island countries, and upholds the equality of all countries, big or small. China fully respects the will of Pacific Island countries and pursues extensive consultation, joint contribution, shared benefits and win-win results. China fully respects the cultural traditions of Pacific Island countries, and adheres to harmony in diversity and shared beauty of diverse cultures. 

China fully respects the unity and self-reliance of Pacific Island countries, and supports them in implementing the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, contributing to the building of a peaceful, harmonious, secure, inclusive and prosperous Blue Pacific, said the Chinese president..

Chen Hong, executive director at the Asia Pacific Studies Center of East China Normal University, told the Global Times on Monday that the president’s remarks show a clear attitude, as well as a principle of China’s policy toward the Pacific Island countries like the Solomon Islands – mutual respect and equal relations between developing countries.

China’s policy is very different from those of the US and some of its allies in the region, which are guided by ideology and a Cold War mentality, while Washington always prioritizes its own interests and uses ties with Pacific Island countries to serve its strategy of containing and competing with China, and does not care about the true benefits and concerns of the regional nations, experts said. 

China-Solomon Islands friendly cooperation has been at the forefront of China’s relations with Pacific Island countries and has become a model of unity, cooperation and joint development between countries of different sizes and developing countries, Xi told Sogavare on Mon, saying that China is willing to share the development opportunities brought about by Chinese modernization with the Solomon Islands, expand imports of advantageous products from the Solomon Islands and help it achieve revitalization, stability and long-term prosperity. 

China understands the severe challenges of climate change that the Pacific Island countries are facing, and is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with these countries in fields including meteorological services, disaster relief and clean energy, Xi said.

China is willing to strengthen coordination with the Solomon Islands, uphold real multilateralism, safeguard international justice and fairness and jointly oppose Cold War mentality and hegemony, and safeguard the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region, Xi remarked. 

Analysts said Xi’s remarks show that China fully understands the real concerns shared by the region, and the cooperation with the regional countries is driven by the need to solve real problems rather than the needs of “great power competition,” so it’s very natural and reasonable that China will be increasingly welcomed in the region despite US disruption. 

Determination of Solomon Islands 

Sogavare said at the meeting with Xi that establishing diplomatic ties with China is the correct choice, and bilateral relations have seen fruitful achievements. China has become the Solomon Islands’ biggest partner in the field of infrastructure cooperation and a trustworthy partner for development.

Sogavare praised the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, which were proposed by Xi, saying that the initiatives show remarkable vision and outstanding leadership.

The Solomon Islands will firmly support the one-China principle and is willing to boost senior level exchanges with China, and to strengthen communication and cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, people-to-people and local exchanges, and will jointly deal with global challenges including climate change, said the prime minister. He said the Solomon Islands opposes any move aimed at containing China’s development.

From establishing diplomatic ties with China in 2019 to signing the security pact in 2022, then to Sogavare’s current visit, “the Solomon Islands has shown its determination to defend its national sovereignty and is striving to get rid of being controlled regardless of the pressure from the US and its allies like Australia,” Niu Li, executive director of the Pacific Research Center at Beijing Foreign Studies University, told the Global Times on Monday.

Speaking at the first high-level conference of the Forum on Global Action for Shared Development on Monday, Sogavare said that the world is facing intertwined crises such as the post-COVID impact, conflicts and climate change, which gave the forum a stronger sense of mission and responsibility. 

Sogavare noted that we need to transcend the idea of using ideology and geopolitics to divide the world, stay united and keep exploring creative cooperation roads to narrow the gap between rich and poor. The prime minister also proposed using the Belt and Road Initiative to share development experience, so as to transform countries’ potential into prosperity. 

The reaffirmation of strategic cooperation between China and the Solomon Islands will encourage other Pacific Island countries to cooperate with China, said Niu. “The China-Solomon Islands cooperation will serve as a model for other Pacific Island countries, which have come under long-standing bullying and control of the US-led Western powers, to defend their national sovereignty and autonomy,” Niu said.