By Georgina Maka’a 

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has again heaped praise on China and its leadership, as he farewelled the communist nation’s first ambassador to Solomon Islands, Li Ming, on Tuesday night. 

Ming is returning to Beijing after completing his three-year tenure in Honiara. 

Sogavare controversially switched the country’s diplomatic ties from Taiwan to China in 2019 – sparking the current geopolitical competition between China and the United States. 

But Sogavare staunchly defended his decision. 

“If we have to rank the decisions that we make in this country, the forging of our diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China would obviously take first place as the most important decision that we make as a country after more than 40 years of our existence as an independent nation and member of the United Nations,” Sogavare stated. 

But he said he was surprised at the commotion the decision created in some quarters of the United Nations. 

“It is the most misunderstood decision, and might I add, unfairly criticized decision by some people in this country and oversea, obviously influenced by so many false allegations and misinformation about China that were deliberately and maliciously advanced by some countries.” 

However, Sogavare said Solomon Islands will not be deterred by any countries that are bent on trying to undermine the two countries’ relationship through the spread of unfair allegations and misinformation. 

He added the relationship Solomon Islands forges with China brings new hope for the country. 

“It is for that reason that we did not hesitate to sign up to the Global Development Initiative (GDI) of President Xi Jin Ping in March of this year.  

“This is a great initiative by your great country as your contribution to the principles of leaving no one behind.  

“We admire the principles upon which the initiative was established. 

“Under the GDI, your country unleashed the power of innovation by prioritizing green development, new-type industrialization and the digital economy, as well as pursuing a Partnership on New Industrial Revolution to boost high-quality development.  

“Not only in words, but actions, and big actions they are!  

“That’s what Solomon Islands need.  

“We are a poor country and interestingly, amidst plenty, which is an insult to what we are capable of achieving if we are given the right boost.  

“By signing up to the Global Development Initiative, we are willing to work very closely with your great country to redirect the country’s development pathway, which has not been taking the same pace as our runaway birth rate over the last 40+ years.  

 
“On the same note, we also did not hesitate to sign up to Belt and Road Initiative and admire the principles upon which it is established.  

“Contrary to all the non-sense we have been hearing, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) upholds the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence: mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence”.  

“Simply put, China’s BRI is a strategy that seeks to connect Asia with Africa, Europe and Pacific via land and maritime networks with the aim of improving regional integration, increasing trade and stimulating economic growth and is premised on the 5 principles cited above.  

“This is admirable.  

“It puts human face and our responsibility as responsible citizens of Planet Earth to our endeavor to drive sustainable development.  

“It is when some people assume what the initiative is not about and unfairly read too much into it that create unwarranted fears.  

“Solomon Islands does not believe nor share the fears. 

“We note with admiration that since its establishment from 2013, the BRI has been able to achieve benefits in various aspects.  

“Firstly, to build infrastructure including ports, railways, hydropower dams, bridges, airports, etc.  

“These achievements were basically all over the world.” 

Meanwhile in his farewell speech, Ming described Solomon Islands as a “Happy Island, brimming with resources and potential”. 

He acknowledged the challenges the Solomon Islands face, including infrastructure development, climate change, and poverty alleviation. 

However, he strongly believes that these challenges present unique opportunities for China to play a pivotal role. 

“With China’s vast markets, technical advantages, and keen interest in investing and trading with the Solomon Islands, I see a great complementarity between the two nations,” Ming said. 

“One of my proudest achievements during my tenure was the construction of the National Stadium, also referred to as the Friendship Stadium. 

“The grand facility, built over two years, symbolizes the goodwill of the Chinese government and people towards the Solomon Islands. 

“Although I regret that I will not be present to witness the joy and excitement of the Solomon Islands people during the 2023 Pacific Games at the stadium, I send my best wishes and remains the biggest fan of your country and people.