In Solomon Islands, closer China ties prompt province of Malaita to seek independence vote

The Solomons last year severed diplomatic relations with Taiwan in favour of China but Malaita remains aligned with the US

Malaita has long sought to become its own nation, although it is unlikely an independence vote would be recognised by the central government

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Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing in 2019. Photo: AFP

Published: 2:30pm, 2 Sep 2020Updated: 4:42pm, 2 Sep 2020

The large Solomon Islands province of Malaita said it will conduct an independence referendum after rejecting the Pacific nation’s decision last year to cut its association with Taiwan and establish formal ties with China.

Home to about one-quarter of the Solomons’ population, the US-aligned Malaita has long held ambitions of becoming its own nation, although it is unlikely an independence vote would be recognised by the central government in Honiara, setting up further discord.

Malaita Premier Daniel Suidani said in a statement distributed overnight on Tuesday that Honiara had asserted continued pressure on the province to accept China despite knowing Malaita did not recognise the change in diplomatic ties.

“It is time for Malaita people to see whether they are still willing to be part of a country that its leadership is becoming dictatorial,” Suidani said. “Self-determination is a core of human rights. No power can indefinitely prevent any group from eventually realising its aspirations, regardless of how difficult it might be and how long it takes.”

The office of Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare did not immediately answer questions on Wednesday.

The Solomon Islands, located north of Australia’s east coast, is a strategically important Pacific nation that switched diplomatic ties from Taiwan to Beijing last year amid a broader tussle between China and the United States for regional allies.

Malaita has since discussed plans with the United States and its allies to develop a deep-sea port, while Chinese interests are pursuing development plans on Solomons’ principal island of Guadalcanal, where the capital is located.