Taipei’s ties with Solomon Islands ‘rock solid’, Taiwanese foreign minister says as Beijing woos Pacific nation
- Mainland China funds visit by Solomons delegation as it steps up pressure on Tsai Ing-wen’s administration
Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu insisted on Friday that ties with the Solomon Islands were “rock solid” as speculation mounted that the Pacific nation could switch recognition to mainland China after it sent a top delegation to Beijing.
Wu stressed that Taiwan “highly cherished” relations with the 17 countries that officially recognised Taipei rather than Beijing, especially the Solomon Islands which is one of its oldest allies.
He described ties with the Solomon Islands as “rock solid” in a tweet after meeting Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare while attending a regional conference in Tuvalu, also a Taipei ally.
The Solomon Islands is being courted by Beijing which has been investing heavily in the Pacific.
Mainland China still sees self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary.
Relations between Beijing and Taipei have plummeted since Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen came to power in 2016 and refused to recognise the idea that Taiwan is part of “one China”.