China Responds to Allegations of Interference in Solomon Islands’ Internal Affairs
By Melino Maka
Tonga Independent News
Nuku‘alofa, Kingdom of Tonga – In response to recent international media reports suggesting interference by the Chinese Embassy in the domestic affairs of the Solomon Islands, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Honiara has strongly denied the claims, labeling them as “baseless” and “inconsistent with the facts.”
In a formal statement, the Embassy reaffirmed that the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries remains a cornerstone of China’s foreign policy. “China has never interfered, and will never interfere, in the internal affairs of the Solomon Islands,” the spokesperson emphasized. “We also firmly oppose any external attempts by other countries to interfere in Solomon Islands’ sovereign affairs.”
This statement comes amid renewed scrutiny from some foreign commentators and media outlets—particularly in the West—who often frame China’s growing presence in the Pacific through a lens of suspicion. It’s a trend that Beijing has repeatedly criticized, suggesting that such narratives lack balance and overlook the sovereign choices of Pacific nations in managing their international relations.
“The Chinese Embassy firmly opposes such baseless allegations and reiterates its support for the political stability and development of Solomon Islands,” the spokesperson said, noting Beijing’s confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, who assumed office in 2024 following national elections.
The Embassy also reiterated its appreciation for the Solomon Islands’ continued commitment to the One-China policy, a position that remains central to bilateral relations between the two countries. This was underscored during Prime Minister Manele’s visit to China in July 2024, where a Joint Statement reaffirmed shared principles between Beijing and Honiara.
In the statement, Solomon Islands declared: “Solomon Islands is firmly committed to the One-China principle, and recognizes that there is but one China in the world, that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, and that the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China.”
The Joint Statement also noted that the Solomon Islands “firmly opposes ‘Taiwan independence’ in any form,” and supports all efforts by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification.
China’s growing ties with Solomon Islands, including infrastructure support, trade, and development cooperation, have been welcomed by many in the local government, even as external critics question the nature of the relationship. Beijing insists that its engagement is built on mutual respect, non-interference, and win-win cooperation—principles that are sometimes misrepresented in geopolitical discourse.
“We are confident that the Solomon Islands Government will continue to uphold its firm commitment to the One-China principle,” the spokesperson said. “China stands ready to work closely with the Solomon Islands to bring our friendship and cooperation to new heights.”
As geopolitical competition intensifies in the Pacific, observers note the importance of allowing Pacific nations to determine their partnerships freely and without undue pressure or politicization. In that context, statements such as this from the Chinese Embassy serve as both a reassertion of Beijing’s policy stance and a reminder that Pacific diplomacy must respect the agency of Pacific nations.
