China and the Solomon Islands have signed a police cooperation pact, marking an upgrade in their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. The agreement comes four years after the Solomon Islands shifted its allegiance from Taiwan to China. Alongside the police cooperation pact, the two nations also signed eight other deals, highlighting the significant progress made in their relationship.
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing to discuss and solidify their growing ties. In his remarks, Premier Li emphasized the fruitful development of the relationship between the two countries. Sogavare expressed gratitude for China’s role in addressing global challenges and acknowledged that his country has much to learn from China’s experiences.
The United States, which had been previously concerned about the Solomon Islands’ security pact with China, maintained a respectful position, stating that nations have the right to make sovereign decisions in the best interests of their people. The US reaffirmed its commitment to a strong relationship with the region and to strengthening bonds with the people of the Solomon Islands.
China’s official news agency, Xinhua, released a joint statement stating that China would continue to assist the Solomon Islands in enhancing its law enforcement capacity. The statement also called on relevant countries to handle issues such as the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water and cooperation on nuclear submarines in a prudent manner, which was seen as a veiled reference to Japan and the AUKUS alliance.
In addition to the police cooperation pact, Prime Minister Sogavare also met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and the two leaders agreed to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership. President Xi emphasized the importance of strengthening mutual assistance between China and Pacific island countries within the framework of South-South cooperation, highlighting their shared status as developing nations. Describing the two countries as trustworthy friends and reliable brothers, President Xi praised the solidarity and cooperation between countries of different sizes and between developing nations.
President Xi pledged China’s support for the Solomon Islands’ 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, a blueprint for advancing the region’s strategic goals over the next three decades. The two countries also reached agreements in civil aviation, trade, economy, technology, and sports, with China providing technical assistance for the upcoming Pacific Games.
Prime Minister Sogavare’s visit to China will continue until Saturday, during which he will officially open the Solomon Islands’ embassy in Beijing. The strengthened ties between China and the Solomon Islands reflect their shared commitment to cooperation and mutual support, contributing to the development and progress of both countries.
