The Solomon Islands relies heavily on financial support from overseas due to its limited means of generating income, which is largely through timber exports. Photo: Reuters
Beijing offers development fund if Solomon Islands breaks diplomatic ties with Taipei
- Head of task force in South Pacific nation charged with evaluating diplomatic ties says Beijing will provide financial backing for ‘a certain period’
- But anti-corruption agency Transparency Solomon Islands urges caution in switching allegiance over concerns country will not be able to hold firm against Beijing’s interests
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Taiwan
The Solomon Islands relies heavily on financial support from overseas due to its limited means of generating income, which is largely through timber exports. Photo: Reuters
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen inspect an honour guard in Taipei in 2017. Photo: AFP
China, US rivalry in Pacific may heat up as Solomon Islands looks to switch ties from Taipei to Beijing
- Task force is reportedly evaluating diplomatic relations with self-ruled island, while a delegation went to Beijing to discuss potentially switching allegiance
- Growing Chinese influence in region has raised concern among US and allies
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US-China relations
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen inspect an honour guard in Taipei in 2017. Photo: AFP