Published:
Apr 15, 2024 18:00 GMT
In the Solomon Islands, a state that signed a security pact with the Asian giant, a vote will take place that could affect the entire region.
This Wednesday, in the Solomon Islands they will elect the 50 members of the national Parliament who must appoint the prime minister for the next four years, something that draws the attention of the great powers, which are actively participating in the battle. for the favor of the Pacific island nations.
Although the population of the Solomon Islands does not reach 700,000 inhabitants, the country occupies a strategic position, 1,600 kilometers northeast of Australia, where they fought several battles during World War II.
The current prime minister, Manasseh Sogavare, who has changed the direction of his country's foreign policy by ceasing to recognize Taiwan's independence and signing a security agreement with China, is running for re-election, which could affect not only the future of their nation, but also that of the entire region.
Who is running for election?
If Sogavare wins, his next term would be his fifth in office and he could go down in history as the man who was prime minister twice in a row.
At the launch of the campaign, the current head of the Executive he claimed that the establishment of diplomatic relations with Beijing was “fundamental” for the country, since Chinese aid and investment contributed to placing its nation “on a more favorable path, on the right path at the national and international level.”
The other candidates for the position, Peter Kenilorea Junior, Matthew Wale and Gordon Darcy Lilo, show doubts regarding security cooperation with China. Both Wale and Lilo call for more transparency regarding the aforementioned security pact.
Despite the lack of public polls, experts believe Sogavare will likely continue for one more term. In addition, they maintain that his rivals will have to form coalitions to win, while he himself continues to count on the support of different groups.
The political effect of financial investments
Since 2019, the number of Pacific Rim countries recognizing Taiwan has decreased from six to three. Tuvalu, Palau and the Marshall Islands are some of the 12 states in the world that still maintain diplomatic ties with the island..
For its part, Beijing has become one of the largest creditors of Pacific nations and its trade with the region – mainly seafood, timber and minerals – increased to $5.3 billion in 2021 from $153 million in 1992, according to data of the Chinese Government.
In the case of the Solomon Islands, the role of the Asian giant was decisive in allowing them to host the Pacific Games in 2023, which led to the postponement of the elections.
80% of games received financing from foreign countrieswhile China played a key role in the construction of a large 10,000-capacity stadium, roads, ports and Huawei's telecommunications network.
Why are great powers paying attention to the Pacific?
Relations between China and the Solomon Islands reached a new level when, in 2022, they signed a security agreement that, if necessary, would allow the island state to request Beijing to send police and other security forces.
The measure encouraged the United States to increase its presence in the region. In September of that year, President Joe Biden invited the heads of Pacific island nations to a summit in Washington, where he announced that he would allocate $810 million to “improve the lives of islanders.” Furthermore, in February 2023 he reopened his Embassy in Solomon Islands, three decades after closing it.
Likewise, in March of this year, it took its partnership with the States of the region to the level of security issues. The US Congress approved $7.1 billion for economic support to Palau, Marshall Islands and Micronesia in exchange for the exclusive military presence of the US in those Pacific nations.
