Jeremiah Manele praised China and indicated his country was keen to extend security and policing partnerships with the regional power — but will his words translate to more deals?
The prime minister of Solomon Islands was particularly quick to heap praise on the breakneck speed of development in China while touring a host of companies and institutions dotted across Fujian and Shandong provinces.
Jeremiah Manele, second right, meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping, fourth left, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.The Solomon Islands government has bet big on China ever since it made the momentous decision in 2019 to switch diplomatic recognition to Beijing under Manele's predecessor, Manasseh Sogavare.
Most of these "concerns" centre not on matters economic, but on rather thornier questions around security. The prime minister said that cabinet would "review" the police training agreements in the wake of Australia once again raising its concerns. They are quick to argue that when the rubber hits the road, Solomon Islands is still turning to Australia as its major security and policing partner.
Again, this isn't surprising given how effectively Vanuatu has been able to bring in largesse from Beijing: just days before Salwai departed for China, it handed over aBut there is usually a quid pro quo in foreign affairs, and while praise might go some way, it does not stretch the distance.
Solomon Islands Vanuatu Xi Jingping Pat Conroy Jeremiah Manele Anthony Albanese Charlot Salwai Chinese Communist Party Pacific Police Security Bradley Tovosia Beijing
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