Taiwan-leaning Solomons welcomes mainland Chinese
14 January 2013
Island Sun (Honiara)
THE BUSINESSMEN FROM MAINLAND CHINA had not expected to be officially welcomed so warmly on their recent visit to Honiara given that the Solomon Islands and the People’s Republic of China do not have diplomatic relations.
Indeed, the Solomon Islands has diplomatic relations with China’s arch rival Taiwan.
But to its surprise the three-man delegation was given VIP treatment when it arrived in Honiara last August, during an encounter that has just been revealed.
Doing the honours was none other than deputy prime minister Manasseh Maelanga along with other ministers and senior officials.
Mr Maelanga also hosted a dinner at which delegation leader Joe Wong was officially appointed Solomon Islands’ Commerce and Investment Commissioner for China, Hong Kong, Macau and Asia.
A huge red banner featuring the China’s national colours announced the appointment in both English and Chinese.
Mr Maelanga gave a speech in which he encouraged closer cooperation between Solomon Islands and China.
Island Sun believes it is important that the people of Solomon Islands know what is happening behind the scenes, particularly the decision by the government to openly host a delegation from China.
Interesting the "revelation", almost six months after the event, in the "Island Sun".
Certainly very important that the media keep the people informed. However the mention of "a huge red banner" does not indicate secrecy on the part of the Solomon Islands Government.
I would also question the validity of the statement "China's arch rival Taiwan". To my understanding Taiwan would not have difficulty with the Solomon Islands establishing diplomatic relations with China whilst maintaining diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
Taiwan is a truly democratic country and respects the rights of people to have multiple friendships. On the contrary China has a "them or us" policy.
China's refusal to give diplomatic recognition to the Vatican is a prime example.
In our area of interest, although PNG gives diplomatic recognition to China, Taiwan continues to provide agricultural missions to assist the people in remote areas.
Posted by: Laurence Quinlivan | 14 January 2013 at 09:18 AM