Solomon Islands politician calls for switch in diplomatic ties back to Taiwan
- Daniel Suidana, premier of the country’s most populous province, says the change in recognition to Beijing was done without adequate consultation
- He also calls for national dialogue to resolve long-standing domestic issues over the economy and land rights that he says are causing ongoing unrest
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare angered many in 2019, particularly leaders of Malaita, when he cut the country’s diplomatic ties with Taiwan to recognise Beijing instead. Suidani said the switch was done without adequately consulting the public.
The Solomon Islands faced violent protests and unrest last week as long-simmering tensions over economic issues boiled over. The National Parliament building, a police station and businesses were set alight during two tumultuous days in which police failed to control a mob as it wrecked parts of the capital city.
The dispute over the nation’s foreign policy is just one of several issues on hand.
Suidani called for national dialogue to resolve the issues causing ongoing unrest in his country, and said the reasons for the violence are long-standing domestic issues over the economy and land rights, not foreign interference.