By Ednal Palmer

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has issued a directive to all government ministries and agencies, and all their staff to comply and respect the Government’s position, that the People’s Republic of China remains the sole legal representative of China.

In reaffirming his government’s commitment to the one-China policy, Manele said there is only one China and Taiwan is an integral part of China’s territory.

“In this regard no Solomon Islands Government officials, those holding public offices are to visit, engage or make any commitment with Taiwan, China,” he said. 

He added Taiwan remains part of China and is referred to as “Taiwan, China”. 

“All Government representatives are instructed not to invite or facilitate any official(s) from ‘Taiwan, China’ to visit Solomon Islands or ‘Taiwan, China’ representatives to participate in any Solomon Islands government organized activities at all levels, nationally, regionally and internationally.”

During his meetings with China’s President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang this month in Beijing, the Solomon Islands Prime Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to uphold the One-China principle.

Manele asked all the three arms of the state to observe the spirit and purpose of the UN Charter, including the respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity of the People’s Republic of China and principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of China in line with resolution 2758.

Respect for international law, international principles and the UN Charter be upheld following establishing of Solomon Islands – the People’s Republic of China’s diplomatic relations in 2019. 

Solomon Islands is one of 183 countries that recognize the one China Principle out of 193 members of the UN.

Solomon Islands adopted the One-China policy when it terminated diplomatic ties with Taiwan and switched to China, in 2019.

Last week, on his arrival from China, Manele said it is not his concern that some people are demonizing China.

Manele said Solomon Islands treats all its partners “equally”.

“I am not concern that others are demonising China,” Manele told reporters.

“Our position is to work with all partners,” he added.

“We have no problem with any of our partners who want to work with us. If other countries have a problem with China, that is a problem for those countries to deal with.”

Cover Photo: Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele of the Solomon Islands, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 12, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)