As Solomon Islands prepares to host the 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting in Honiara this September, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele received two major gifts in a single day.
On 25 August, the Prime Minister was handed over two separate fleets of vehicles — one from Australia and one from China.
This marks a rare moment in which the Solomon Islands’ two most influential partners visibly converged in their support for the nation’s largest diplomatic gathering in years, as hosts of the 54th PIF Leaders Meeting.
Australia’s Largest Security Support Since RAMSI
At the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Headquarters in Rove, Prime Minister Manele formally accepted the first 22 of 61 new police vehicles donated by Australia, valued at AUD$5.2 million (SBD$28.6 million).
The fleet, which includes Ford Rangers, Nissan Navaras, and Toyota Hiluxes, is equipped with sirens, light bars, and communication systems, enhancing the RSIPF’s ability to provide security during the Forum.
Describing the handover as “the single largest transfer of vehicles to the RSIPF by any security partner since the RAMSI era,” Prime Minister Manele spoke highly of the symbolic weight of Australia’s contribution.
Beyond policing, Canberra’s support stretches across infrastructure and logistics, with commitments exceeding SBD$100 million, covering road upgrades, solar-powered air conditioning for venues, cybersecurity, and emergency evacuation capabilities.
“This assistance is not just about the Forum — it leaves a legacy of a stronger, more mobile police force and better infrastructure for our country,” Manele said, while thanking the Government and people of Australia.
China’s VIP Transport Fleet for Leaders
The same day, at the government’s Transport Pool, Prime Minister Manele accepted 27 brand-new Tank 500 HEV SUVs, donated by the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
The fleet, worth USD$1 million (SBD$8.5 million), forms part of a 40-vehicle package jointly procured by China and the Solomon Islands Government to serve visiting heads of state and VVIPs during the Forum.
“These vehicles will ensure safe, reliable, and comfortable transport for Pacific Leaders,” Manele noted.
He also confirmed that the vehicles would become a permanent legacy asset for the government fleet, distributed among ministries and provinces after the event.
He also thanked South Pacific Oil Limited for stepping in as official fuel sponsor for the meetings.
The Prime Minister described China’s contribution as a reflection of “the strong and enduring partnership between Solomon Islands and China,” acknowledging the coordinated effort of officials in Beijing and Honiara who facilitated the delivery.
Symbolism and Geopolitical Signals
As Honiara readies itself for the arrival of Pacific leaders from 8–12 September, the twin handovers highlight how Australia and China are both positioning themselves as indispensable partners to Solomon Islands.
The fact that Manele received both donations on the same day is significant.
For Solomon Islands, it illustrates the government’s strategy of maintaining balanced partnerships with both Canberra and Beijing at a time of heightened geopolitical competition in the Pacific.
For the region, it is a reminder that the Forum — traditionally a platform for Pacific unity — is also becoming an arena where global powers demonstrate influence through aid, infrastructure, and security assistance.
Australia’s security-heavy package reinforces its long-standing role as the country’s primary security partner, while China’s VIP transport fleet showcases its rising status as a provider of prestige and logistical support at high-level regional events.
For Prime Minister Manele, the gifts not only guarantee smooth and secure hosting of the Forum but also provide him a diplomatic opportunity: to show that Solomon Islands can engage both major powers in ways that deliver tangible benefits to its people.