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Solomon Islanders hope ‘China can care for us’ as opinions shift amid Beijing-backed building spree
- Concerns remain about a controversial security pact, but more island residents are changing their minds on China as money for infrastructure flows in
- Beijing has committed a reported US$30 million towards nine major construction projects on the islands ahead of next year’s Pacific Games
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China-funded construction of a new national stadium in the Solomon Islands’ capital Honiara has encouraged a more favourable view of Beijing, though concerns remain over a controversial bilateral security pact that could see the stationing of Chinese military forces in the South Pacific archipelago.
The small but strategically important nation, which switched its diplomatic ties from self-ruled Taiwan to Beijing in 2019, has been thrust into the forefront of increasing geopolitical competition in the region between mainland China and the United States since it signed the security pact in April.
According to leaks on social media, the agreement allows for the deployment by Beijing of police, military and other armed personnel as well as the docking of its ships in the islands.
Mary Laua, 38, who lives on a hill overlooking the site of the 10,000-seat stadium being built by China for next year’s Pacific Games, originally opposed the security pact but changed her mind after construction commenced.
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“It will help a lot in some schools after the Pacific Games. We’ll have a proper place to encourage young people in the future,” said Laua, who is currently studying at the national university to become a schoolteacher.
She remains on the fence regarding some aspects of the deal, however, including the reported granting of permission for Chinese naval vessels to dock in the islands.
“I have a concern too. What is the reason why they come?” she asked, adding that she wonders if China will take over the Solomon Islands.
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