By Ronald Toito’ona
China’s Ambassador to Solomon Islands Cai Weiming has emphasised that the diplomatic ties between the two countries are built on mutual respect and cooperation – rejecting the notion of a transactional relationship.
Cai highlighted this during a lecture session hosted by the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), yesterday, at the Panatina Campus.
The discussion centred around the topic “China’s Development and the Future of the SI-China relationship.”
In the session, there was a question about what China expects in return from Solomon Islands, considering the significant infrastructure improvements, especially in Honiara City, accomplished within a relatively short time frame.
One notable infrastructure is the National Sports Stadium China built for the 2023 Pacific Games.
Responding to the question, Cai said China did not see the relations with Solomon Islands as give and take.
He also highlighted China’s identity as a developing nation, empathising with the development needs of fellow developing countries like Solomon Islands.
Participants of the PRC-SINU event| Photo: PRC Embassy Comms
“With over 5,000 years of civilization, we believe in brotherhood, mutual benefits, and cooperation.
“And China itself is a developing country, so we totally understand the development needs of other developing countries.”
Referencing a timeless Chinese adage attributed to Confucius, he emphasised the ethos of sharing prosperity with others as integral to Chinese cultural values.
“There is a Chinese saying that ‘if you get rich, go share your wealth with others’. That’s the Chinese sanctioned teaching from Confucius, more than 2500 years ago.”
“So it’s natural that we see other developing countries as natural partners to develop.
“This is the ancient teaching of the Chinese. It’s our ancestors teaching that if you are getting richer, you are being well off, your share with other people.
“So I think this relationship is not give and take; we are genuinely here to help,” Cai insists.
Furthermore, Cai said China sees that Solomon Islands people have a huge abundance of resources.
“And so we like to come here to share our development stories, development experience, and some of the lessons that can help the Solomon Islands people to overcome some of the natural constraints or the structural constraints that can better improve the development and better improve the income livelihood of the local people.”
Cai also emphasised Solomon Islands’ pivotal gesture in recognizing the “One-China Principle” as a significant contribution to the bilateral relationship.
He expressed China’s gratitude for Solomon Islands’ steadfast adherence to this principle, highlighting its importance as a cornerstone of China’s diplomatic engagements worldwide.
“Solomon Islands already stands steadfast on the One Chinaprinciple, and China really appreciates it.
“We appreciate every country that is standing on that principle.
“And on the basis, China has established relations, not just with Solomon Islands, we establish relations with over 180 countries.
“We establish relations with the United States, or Australia, New Zealand and the British, the UK, France, all the major countries on the basis of one China principle – that’s our core interest.
“So if you ask what China is expecting in return, I think that’s important. We treasure that very much. We appreciate them very much. And that’s the basis for the cooperation between the two countries.
“I also mentioned it in some of the articles I wrote for newspapers, saying one China principle is very important.
“It is a basic foundation of the relations between China and other countries, not just Solomon Islands.”