UP vows to reevaluate SI-China Security Pact, reestablish ties with Taiwan and maintain China as development partner
SOLOMON Islands United Party (UP) has declared its intention to reassess the country’s security agreement with China should it secure a position in a coalition government after the upcoming April elections.
The current caretaker Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) led by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare inked the security pact with China in 2023, following the shift in diplomatic ties from Taiwan to China in 2019.
The signing of the security pact has ignited a public outcry and raised concerns from Australia and the United States of America.
Prime Minister Sogavare defended the decision, stating that it aligns with the country’s National Security Strategy (NSS) and emphasized Solomon Islands’ sovereign right to broaden its security cooperation.
However, Peter Kenilorea Junior, the political wing leader of UP, expressed the party’s disagreement with the security arrangement during a press conference yesterday.
Mr Kenilorea Jnr emphasized the pact created unnecessary tension and shifted the focus for the wrong reasons.
He stated, “We injected ourselves into this playing field where giants are and then we become the grass upon which this giant treads. So, we want to lessen this tension and I think one of those ways is to get rid of this security arrangement with China.”
Mr Kenilorea Jnr clarified that the UP is not advocating for the exclusion of China as a development partner.
Instead, he said the party aims to encourage diplomatic growth by inviting more embassies, such as India and Indonesia, to be stationed in Honiara.
The policy also includes the reestablishment of ties with Taiwan.
“We need to work together and need as many partners as we can. We will always be the driver, setting the agenda and priorities,” Mr Kenilorea Jnr explained.
The UP, which has been in the opposition bench for the past five years, expressed its aspiration to be a significant contributor in the next government.
The party plans to unveil its policy manifesto and introduce its candidates in the upcoming weeks.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Honiara, Solomon Star
