Foreign Affairs & External Trade minister Jeremiah Manele has formally announced the country’s recognition of Peoples Republic of China (PRC) at the 74th United Nation’s General Assembly in New York.
On Monday 16th September, 2019 the cabinet/caucus voted in favour of the PRC over the Republic of China (Taiwan).
This was after the Parliamentary Bi-Partisan Task-force Committee reviewed Solomon Islands Relations with PRC and ROC when completing a fact-finding mission in the region as well as Taiwan and China.
“I also wish to announce to this Assembly that Solomon Islands has begun reviewing its foreign policy.
“In doing so, we have recognized the one China policy in compliance with UN resolution 2758 and have formalized our relations with the People’s Republic of China.
“We are also broadening our engagements with all countries in keeping with our policy of “Friends to all, enemies to none,” Manele stated.
It was understood that the Bi-Partisan Task-force Committee acted upon the first 100 days DCGA Policy launched in May 2019 that seeks a Comprehensive assessment on the China question.
Last week, Prime Minister Sogavare stated that the outcome of the switch made headlines across the world this week, when the Sogavare-led DCGA decided to respect the ‘One China Principle’ under United Nation Resolution 2758 of 197.
In a statement, Sogavare said Solomon Islands and its people have endured many challenges since Independence in 1978 in trying to forge a path towards achieving economic prosperity, social stability and lasting peace for the sake of future generations and the common good of our people.
The prime minister went on to clarify to citizens of the country that, diplomatic friendships are based on shared values, mutual respect and national interests which in the case of Taiwan
“…we have reciprocated the support they have rendered over the past 36 years, by availing our marine resources and advocating to the United Nations (UN) for their right to self-determination as an independent sovereign nation despite the stand taken by the other 176 UN Member countries.
“Unfortunately, our plea over the past 36 years has been in vain and will continue to remain as such based on international law, the respect for territorial integrity, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality, mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence that collectively represent the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations,” he said.
Last weekend, the country has formally established ties with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) where a joint communiqué was signed by Mr Manele on behalf of the country with the State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi of the Chinese government.
Mr. Manele at the signing ceremony said the Solomon Islands’ decision to switch diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China, was based on “national interests”.
“The development challenges for our country are huge. We need a broader partnership with countries that also includes China.
“We have aligned our policy with international law in compliance with UN resolution 2758. We therefore recognize the one china policy.
“International law for Solomon Islands is our first and last line of defense,” he said.
He said Solomon Islands and the People’s Republic of China are members of the United Nations and they subscribe to the spirit and principles of the UN Charter.
“Both countries are members of the group of 77 and China, we belong to the same region (Asia and Pacific region), parties to numerous multilateral frameworks and remain united in combating poverty and placing all developing countries on a sustainable development path.
“Over decades Solomon Islands has been working with China multilaterally, China is Solomon Islands largest trading partner, the step taken cements our bilateral relations,” he said.
Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Yi after the signing said he looks forward for a quick development of bilateral ties with the Solomon Islands.
He told reporters in Beijing after signing diplomatic ties with the Solomon Islands that it was “neither reasonable nor sustainable” for them not to have formal ties.
“This was a strategic decision, a transparent decision and a natural decision,” Mr Yi said of the Solomon Island’s decision to desert Taiwan, standing next to Mr Manele at a state guesthouse in Beijing at the signing ceremony.
By GEORGE GWAMANI
