Solomon Islands leader may miss UN summit amid fallout over Taiwan decision

Parliamentary source says foreign minister may lead delegation as tension rises in Pacific nation over move to cut ties with Taipei and align with Beijing

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Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare addresses the UN General Assembly in 2017. His grip on power could be tested if he leaves the country. Photo: Reuters

Published: 6:14pm, 19 Sep 2019Updated: 6:14pm, 19 Sep 2019

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare may miss the United Nations General Assembly in New York, two parliamentary sources said, amid rising tension in the Pacific nation over its decision to sever ties with Taiwan and align with Beijing.

The Solomons’ decision to switch diplomatic ties drew immediate criticism from the United States, and has even sparked calls by protesters in one major island province to seek independence from the rest of the archipelago.

The prime minister’s office said in a statement that it could not confirm who would represent the Solomon Islands in New York.

Sogavare’s grip on power could also be tested if he left the country, due to a parliamentary system that relies on maintaining alliances to retain power.

A parliamentary source said that Foreign Affairs Minister Jeremiah Manele had been prepped to lead the delegation.

“The government is not stable enough for him to leave,” the source said, referring to the prime minister.

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