THE Government’s decision to switch diplomatic ties from Taiwan to China was on the right side of history, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says.
He was speaking to reporters on his arrival Tuesday from the week-long trip he took to China.
“The decision to switch was collectively made by the Government, including both ministers and the backbenchers,” Sogavare said.
He said Solomon Islands gained its independence in 1978 and the decision to expel Taiwan is made in 1971 under the United Nation Resolution 2758.
Sogavare said though Solomon Islands spent 36 years with Taiwan, all along it was just a province of China, not an independent country.
“We have been to the United Nation General Assembly standing up asking them to allow Taiwan to admit into the United Nation agencies but that is impossible and will continue to impossible until the Kingdom comes,” he said.
He said what Solomon Islands continue to do for Taiwan is just like banging its head against a brick wall.
Sogavare said the country’s Foreign policy ‘friend to all and enemy to none’ remains the same and Solomon Islands is still a friend to Taiwan but not in diplomatic relations.
He said China encourages Solomon Islands to have sister relationship with its provinces including Taiwan as a province.
By IAN M.KAUKUI
