THE two weeks diplomatic relationship between China and Solomon Islands is now gaining momentum with the arrival of a top Chinese official in the country on Sunday.
Chinese Ambassador to Papua New Guinea (PNG) Xue Bing touched down in Honiara on Sunday afternoon to brief welcome from the Minister of Mines and Energy Bradley Tovosia and the local Chinese community in Honiara.
Solomon Islands deserted its old friend Taiwan on Monday 16th September and formally established formal ties with Beijing five days later.
The arrival of Ambassador Bing Sunday now confirms the strengthening of relationship between the two countries.
Attempts to get official statements from the government yesterday was not possible but the paper understands the visit is a high profile one, seeing the Minister of Mines was also at the Honiara international airport.
Locals at the airport have questioned why no proper welcome was made if the visit is from Solomon Islands’ new friend.
This paper has witnessed a large number of local Chinese members turning up to welcome Mr. Bing who is the current Chinese envoy living in Port Moresby.
At the Airport, the visiting Ambassador was met by the Minister inside the VIP room before he was escorted out from the eastern wing to meet the local Chinese people in Honiara.
The Chinese community in Honiara were so excited to meet the envoy. Most of the hold Chinese and Solomon flags shouted to their top of their voice as the Ambassador greeted them.
Its likely the Ambassador is going to meet the Prime Minister and his senior officials in the coming days during this brief visit.
No official statement was issued as to what the purpose of the visit and how long would he be in the country.
