LEADER of Opposition Matthew Wale has described the Prime Minister’s statement when arriving in China that ‘he is back home’ as outrageous.
A video posted on Twitter has shown that upon arrival in Beijing, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare told Chinese government officials ‘I am back home’.
The video has triggered a lot of criticisms as to the real intention behind the Prime Minister’s statement.
In a statement issued today, the Opposition Leader said it was shocking to hear such a statement from the Solomon Islands Prime Minister on foreign soil.
Wale said just recently during the 45th Independence celebrations the Prime Minister pledged to the people of this country to pursue an independent foreign policy that does not take sides in geopolitical struggle between China & US.
However, Wale said the statement by the Prime Minister on arrival in Beijing is a clear mockery to his recent independent speech.
“It was indeed surprising to hear this from the Prime Minister. For a Prime Minister to imply that China is his home is undiplomatic and shameful,” he said.
Wale said the Prime Minister’s statement only shows where his true heart lies.
“It is embarrassing especially for our other diplomatic friends. Such statement paints a very negative picture that we have a Prime Minister that desires one diplomatic partner over the rest for only reasons known to himself,” Wale said.
The Opposition Leader has called on the Prime Minister to clarify his ‘I am back home’ statement.
“The Prime Minister must clarify and explain to our people what he meant by his statement unless he has some genetic connections to China we are not aware of,” Wale said.
Sogavare is leading a large delegation, comprising of his ministers and senior officials on a week-long trip to China, his second since he controversially switched the country’s diplomatic ties from Taiwan to China in 2019.
He is expected back in the country this weekend.
Sogavare has not officially announced this trip to China before he left last Saturday.
