Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare meets Chinese leaders in Beijing this month. Photo: Reuters
Solomon Islands government says China’s island lease is unlawful
- Deal between province and China Sam Enterprise Group made public soon after the Pacific nation switched diplomatic ties from Taiwan to Beijing
- It purportedly gives the Chinese conglomerate rights to build infrastructure on several islands
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US-China relations
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare meets Chinese leaders in Beijing this month. Photo: Reuters
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. Photo: AFP
Chinese firm will lease part of Solomon Islands after Taiwan ties severed
- Tulagi island, which has a natural deep water harbour, will be leased by the China Sam Group
- The deal mentions developing a refinery on the island, but its potential for dual use as military base will concern the US and Australia
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Pacific nations
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. Photo: AFP