Is the election in the Solomon Islands a referendum on China’s growing influence?
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- Опубликовано: 16 май 2024
- Voters in the Solomon Islands have cast their ballots in a high-stakes election, closely monitored across the Pacific - and beyond. Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and his political opponents have spent several weeks crisscrossing the archipelago seeking to rally support. This election held particular significance for the country, marking the first ballot since Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare signed a security pact with China in 2022, allowing the deployment of Chinese police and military assets to its shores. PM Sogavare garnered global attention in 2019 for his decision to switch diplomatic allegiance from Taiwan to China. In contrast, his primary challengers, including the former opposition leader Matthew Wale and prominent opposition MP Peter Kenilorea Jr, maintain more cautious stances toward China, vowing to roll back pro-Beijing policies if they assume office. With the election results revealing no single party securing an outright majority, how long will it take to form the government and what implication will this bear on the country’s pro-Beijing policy?
Guests
Dorothy Wickham
Founder of the Melanesian News Network
Einar Tangen
Political and Economic Affairs Commentator
Patricia O’Brian
Adjunct Professor in Asian Studies at Georgetown University
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When Solomon Islands went through the ethnic tensions, it took Australia 5 years to help. When the Solomon PM asked, begged for help, PM Howard of Australia said no. That's because it wasn't conviniet for him to send 50 Police officers at that time. At the same time he committed Australian troops to Iraq. It took until 2003 for Australia to help, at which time lots of Solomon Islanders suffered greatly. Solomon Islands PM Ulufaalu asked in 1998/9, help came in 2003.
Solomon Islands can't put its security with a friend like Australia. Australia cannot be trusted thus the security arrangement with China. It's as simple as that.
Sooooo true. I can vividly remember the situation. They watched until we were on our knees. And I believe that was what they wanted so that we can depend on them.
Let's not dwell in the past. That Government and leadership went out the back door as well as the Morrison lot.
The Anthony Albanese Govt stands with and for Solomon Islands.
Always forward!💯
An acceptance to China is not about military presence for us under-developed countries. China has billions of money that they an invest in China same as they are doing for Vanuatu. Our former colonial powers left us to rot big time. China has helped us a lot in making our lives better. Keep voting for China. Watching all the way from Vanuatu
Opting for Independence, you are supposed to stand on your own two feet. Dependency on China is not being Independent and comes with strings attached. Learn from Fiji and their "look North" policy of a decade ago. At least You were helped for decades along the way 💯%👍.
Alas, it seems free handouts is all we want.
Money for nothing and everything for free, Mark should've sung.😂
Good thinking ❤
@@Usercannnnnn628 Hope you get a new life from China too or stick to your old problems. In Vanuatu we are running on NEW tar sealed roads constructed by China. What about your country? Are you still running on old roads?
@@jr.rasentertainment4074 come over and have a look for yourself.
No they didn't leave you to rot, it was them who had developed your country for decades, after WWII, ( when China wasn't even a developed country yet) billions of dollars worth of development, just as in the Solomon's.
To emulate the US and have military bases all over the world is why our 'mutual' friend has emerged in the past decade or so.
Iumi mas savvy and ting ting good first my brother.
Peace!✌🏼🙏🏽
@@Usercannnnnn628 Your argument that former colonial powers developed the Solomon Islands, while disregarding China's contributions, oversimplifies the complexities of modern geopolitics and the evolving needs of nations like the Solomon Islands. While Western nations did offer some aid and assistance in the past, it's crucial to acknowledge the limitations and negative impacts of colonial legacies, such as dependency and exploitation.
Moreover, reducing China's engagement in the region to merely mimicking the US' global military presence overlooks the multifaceted motivations behind China's investments. China's involvement in the Solomon Islands and the broader Pacific region encompasses a diverse array of development projects and economic initiatives aimed at addressing critical infrastructure needs and fostering sustainable growth.
Instead of viewing China's presence through a lens of competition or suspicion, it's imperative to recognize the opportunities it presents for the Solomon Islands to diversify its international partnerships and access much-needed resources for development. Embracing a pragmatic approach to diplomacy that maximizes the benefits of engagement with multiple partners, including China, is crucial for advancing the interests and aspirations of the Solomon Islands on the global stage.
The Solomon Islands must now explore new avenues for progress. For too long, they have been under the influence of Western dominance, and it's time to consider the potential benefits of a shift in leadership with China playing a more significant role.
Solomon Islanders, if you've been longing for progress and change, it's understandable why you'd turn to China. Western countries may oppose China due to its perceived threat to their influence in the Pacific. However, it's essential to recognize that Western powers prioritize their own interests over the development of the Solomon Islands. Don't fall for their media propaganda. It's time to prioritize decisions that benefit your country, not theirs.
No. It's a referendum on USA’s vanishing influence.
As a Solomon Islander you are spot on
🤡
We need china not USA who interfair in our internal affairs
Handouts dependency logic!🤭 A sickness!
How has the US interfered in SI affairs?
China has one goal when "Aid", money is pumped into cash strapped third world countries like SI.
When the time comes they will build their military base wether you like it or not. SI can do nothing, even a RAMSI like force and led by Aus is nothing to China.
Fiji caught on in time.
It's not too late for SI.
Mr Soqavare the best prime minister ever for solomon island..em tasol mi tok..
It's a pity Mr Sogavare will not be prime minister this time, what a shame! 😔
Anyway life goes on and the real best man will be at the helm..tok blo me tasol.🤫
Referendum under US's intimidation
The USA should not interfere with the Solomon Islands...
it's because of them that you are around today
@@Usercannnnnn628 yes...that might sounds true...but We, the Solomon Islands are a sovereign country or an independent state already..why continue to interfere now while you (USA) already left US behind. Taking their embassy out from Solomon Islands..
@@user-ti1tv1id6n Spot on my bro. The US is a thorn in a global stage. West Africa has enough of the colonialism and imperialism. 4 African countries has removed FRance and the US out from their countries. Enoug is Enough. We too Solomon Islands has enough of bullying from Europe
@@Usercannnnnn628 that is a false statement...without USA we will still be here.
@@Usercannnnnn628it’s because of them our citizens still die today from US bombs. Look at what US did to RMI
Since switching to China, life is going well in Solomon Island. Opposition leader is a provocative leader that misled most Solomon Islanders, resulted in many unlawful happening in the Solomon Island, such as the riots.
It was beyond his control.
He had nothing to do with it.
Had the PM listened to him and humbly come down to the people's level to hear their grievances, there would have been no riots. Savve tu!!🤭
Well our Politics is our Personal affair. It is healthy for Opposition leader to keep watchful eyes on how our Govt. handles our affairs, that is part of our Democracy and I its unfair to blame him, for the riots.
It is when foreign powers try to ridicule our Govt. decisions that we don't accept. Let us choose, and by that I mean our Govt. (the peoples electorate), who we want to build relations with. Its not for foreign powers to decide for us.
With the short time we've had relations with China, we have seen tangible developments in our Country, and we're happy for it. What makes us sad is the ongoing anxiety, negativism and criticism that our western allies feel about this.
What is it?, Don't they want us to progress, or are they just tooo insecure when others impact change that they have failed to do.
How little you know.
The Leader of the Opposition had nothing to do with the riots. It was beyond his control.
He is the best in his responsibility as Opposition leader and will definitely be the best if elected as Prime Minister.
Of course, it's the role and political duty of the leader of opposition group to be watchful on the gov't actions and decisions, how ever, it is also better to be mindful of how the entire public will receive those statements. Solomon Island is different in many aspects. Some will receive those statements in a meaningful manner, while others will receive it as a trigger.
Thank you.
@@cele6983 that's correct also, we need responsible leaders.
"Keeping the Pacific peaceful"... boy oh boy... so by keeping China out, we are being peaceful? Who's discourse? The Pacific Islands? USA?
True western country wants to control us
The real issue isn't education but rather unemployment. Instead of focusing on providing free education, we should prioritise job creation to ensure that graduates have meaningful employment prospects after completing their studies. The fact that many tertiary-educated students from the Solomon Islands end up working as fruit pickers in Australia and New Zealand highlights the urgent need for more job opportunities. While initiatives like the labor mobility scheme have benefited hundreds of Solomon Islanders, we need more of these employment creation programs to be established. Additionally, citizens should be educated to meet the demands of these job opportunities, rather than simply churning out graduates through free education programs.
Sometimes due to bribes or threats, people will become lapdogs against his own people benefits.
Why only America influence.
Thank you Dorothy for telling it straight to these western media who have no idea who we Solomon Islanders are and are ignorant of us. You have my respect!
Solomon Islander should have no fear of China! The benefits of a good relationship with China will be seen very shortly. It was tediculous for the Eolomon Islands to recognise Taiwan as if it were an independent country even though Taiwan is not a member of the UN.
Yes! Many of China's friends are progressive countries where people enjoy many freedoms like that of speech, assembly, and so on.
North Korea, China's bossom friend is a paradise like Cuba, Laos and Myanmar. Iran, Syria, Zimbabwe, Nicaragua and Venezuela are all paradise countries!
@@rainieresguerra6519😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@rainieresguerra6519 non sense...China, officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), has full diplomatic relations with 180 out of the other 192 United Nations member states, Cook Islands, Niue and the State of Palestine. As of 2024, China has had the most diplomatic missions of any state...and all of them are truly progressive countries....dont just pick some countries and leave out some to justify your idea...
😢THERE IS NO PEACE, GROWTH ❤WHEN THE 5 WHITE ENGLISH EYES AND THEIR ALLIES ARE INVOLVED
so true..
solomon islands is not a poor country
🙏🇱🇰Xi Jinping Sir And All Good Great 💛🧡💙💜⚓
USA is too concerned/involved with global conflicts rather than global development. As a Solomon Islander, wanting growing development, better trade partnerships and equal recognition and respect in the world arena; China seems to be a better partner than America.
USA is everywhere in the World and is currently involved in 9 or more conflicts at moment. USA thinks they own the world.
In Solomon Islands we use Chinese goods and product but with western thinking of things , China helps a lot daily in Solomon Islands life ,we embrace democracy way of life
There's too much talking here..
we just wanted Hon Sogavare to get the seat back as prime minister for another term. Go, Hon. Sogavare 👏 💪💪
A small group of islands with a small population. Yet the "insecure" gets terribly worried of the election results evident in their reports.
The issue is with Sogovare leadership. He does not want to listen to any body. His decisions is final, example he does not consult his people for shift to china. He extend the country 4 yr term election to five in order to host SP game. Claiming the stadium will bring in million of dollars. After the game there is no medicine in all hospital and clinics. Yet he fly in helicopter for his party campaign. Where the money comes from. A lot to ask Sogovare, 3 terms in the office, leave the country in poverty, high fuel price, very expensive goods to live. Using the country for their on pocket and not serving the people. That is the true. We can't have such leadership any more. China is not an issue.
Your criticism of Sogovare's leadership lacks depth and fails to grasp the complexities of governance:
Your singular focus on blaming Sogovare overlooks the systemic challenges that the Solomon Islands face. Governance issues are rarely the sole responsibility of one individual; they require collective efforts to address effectively.
Your critique lacks nuance, ignoring potential constraints and complexities that Sogovare may face in decision-making. Effective leadership involves navigating competing interests and making tough decisions, which may not always satisfy everyone.
Instead of offering constructive solutions, you resort to mere finger-pointing. Meaningful change requires proactive engagement and collaboration from all stakeholders, rather than simply laying blame.
By oversimplifying the country's challenges and reducing them to Sogovare's actions, you ignore the deeper structural issues at play. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach that goes beyond individual leadership changes.
Governance system that isn't working for young people and fails to address pressing issues that affect people on a daily basis.
Australia has no business in the Pacific. Their military is barely strong enough to take on Indonesia, and theyre talking about facing off with china? Lol
Western countries knew very well of genuine needs to improve our education infrastructure and many more
Biased reporting
The hatred for China is not rooted from the people. Common citizens are dependent on our leaders' opinions. So when our leaders, including Australian Media, put more emphasis on the negative impact of China's influence, we ended up hurting Chinese people. But at the end of the day we are still going to rely on China for assistance.
Optimistically, we are glad that our western counterparts are reaching out to assist us now. Whatever their intentions are, we care about the benefits that we seek for decades.
Congratulations to Honourable Jeremiah Manele. Please make us proud. 💙💛💚
enough of bulling
Look at Samoa and its last elections cleaned away a political party HRPP that was dominant for over forty years. Geopolitical issues played a part and China had made influence over the years and One road strategy had played development aid versus debt burden. Samoa voted for change and against any takeover since decolonization became the focus.
😢Lets hope 😢❤
What business opportunities will, not can, the Anglo Saxons bring to the Islanders.
Take the solomon islanders future concerns & well being seriously. Their leaders are from villages that are a part of their family clan, most always have family well being & future at ❤ .
Please inform your embassy as soon as possible or any other institute for my legal help here in Pakistani punjab
Political poll can make changes in future
16:16 - 16:50. Hahahaha ,Are you for real? Was that even a real question?😂😂😂. Could you just 🤐 and let Dorothy explain what the real issues are. We want tangible development, we don't need seeds, 🤣🤣🤣 there's stacks of them on the islands🤣🤣🤣🤣OMG you're hiarious.....No wonder Mr. Tangen gave sarcastic smiles several times in the interview. You won't understand what our pressing issues are if you're sitting from Moresby or Washington and try to make sense of Solomon Islands. 🤜CHINA only 3 years of partnership and you've established the biggest foreign embassy in Honiara. That to me shows you're interested in Solomon Islands.👍
Solomon Islands' infrastructure has improved immensely after switching to China. Best decision. There's huge difference between China and USA, Aus, India etc... Keep the relationship with China.
Very informative
THIS IS SAMOAN THINKING ABOUTS IT CHINA 🇨🇳 IF NEW ZEALAND CAN'T 🇳🇿 GIVENS CITIZENSHIP WE THINKING ABOUT SUPPER CHINA
We don't need both of them, a clear and simple issues buses, restaurants, drivers, street marketing and so on the above mentioned are own by Chinese,not ingenious people
People must not look at China's presence in a militaristic point of view.This militaristic view is peddled by West.Chinas approach is humanistic. West approach is one of domination and exploitation.West peddling democracy as one- size-fits all system is a false notion.Under the pretext of promoting democracy they dominate others.Other system of Government adopted by others to suit their culture, history, social structure and become powerful must be respected.Democracy is a myth.People adopting democracy are very poor and dominated by West.PNG must change its West Minister Parliamentary Democracy System, abolish the Governor Generals Office,Ombudsman Commission and the Provincial Government System.This system is making us poor and fragmented.Let the people vote the PM ourselves and have our own head of State.Why clinging on a system that's making us poor.
Solomon is not the poorest country
its a choice between communisium slavery cruption by force and demoratic freedom peaceful pacific family member nation.
Dont hear what Orators say. See what they do Study their personal history. It is just a google away.
Please Solomon Island ,, dont depend in china money and money.... Dont let China take your country.....
Enaf of being western backyard
Its not mistake for china yo build military base in solomon is
A Mathew Wale led Government is the way forward for Solomon Islands. A veteran politician with experience and knowledge, integrity, God fearing and a grassroots person, a people's person, Mathew Wale must be Solomon Islands prime minister elect this time around.
How do you know?
For your information, MW will never be Solomon Island's Prime Minister... Most likely the Solomon Island's powerful former PM will be the Prime Minister again.
@@abrahamfoteliwale1700that remains to be seen
@@calebmark2485when you know, you know!
Been following Sol Is politics for more than thirty years!
MW- intergrity, really?
The only thing that we want is no China at all, Sogovare should know that the majority don't want him PM again
you dont speak for the Majority, Majority still wants Sogavare to be PM again..
just don't sell your home
Bro,relax.
Stupit comment dorothy
Wumao bots crying
Do you want to improve your lot or do you want to die for the Anglo-Americans world...