The containment strategy of the United States of America (USA) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) against China is pushing these actors to build alliances and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific. Indeed, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia, South Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam are the most prominent states in the alliance relations established regionally for this purpose. In such a conjuncture, it can be argued that China is regionally isolated and aims to build its own pole. Although China has a partnership relationship with countries such as North Korea and Russia in foreign policy-making processes based on anti-Western sentiments, it can be said that Beijing aims to prefer actors with whom it will not have legitimacy problems for more concrete cooperation.
In this context, it can be expressed that the states in the region that have not been fully involved in Western-based alliances and that adopt a more balanced stance between Washington and Beijing and prioritize their own national interests in foreign policy making stand out.
At this point, the rapprochement between the Solomon Islands and China should not be overlooked. On July 10, 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare made a comprehensive strategic partnership announcement, which is worth noting.[1] On July 9, 2023, Sogavare visited Beijing, the capital of China, and met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. During the meeting, Sogavare made the following statements:[2]
“We are here to enhance and advance our relations. Solomon Islands has a lot to learn from China’s development experience.”
Li made the following statement:[3]
“Both governments have agreed to build a comprehensive strategic partnership based on mutual respect and common development. The relationship between China and Solomon Islands is moving forward at a very fast pace. It can be said to be extremely fruitful.”
In addition to all these words, Solomon Islands opened an embassy in Beijing on July 11, 2023, following the mentioned meeting. In fact, this embassy was opened four years after the two countries officially started diplomatic contacts. Sogavare described this as a “major milestone” that is expected to further enhance relations between the governments and peoples of the two countries.
Furthermore, Sogavare emphasized that in the future, through the embassy, bilateral relations between Honiara and Beijing, people-to-people ties and common values between the parties will be strengthened, and said that China, as a great country, is a reliable friend of Solomon Islands. In this framework, Sogavare said that it is important for other Pacific Island countries like Solomon Islands to enhance cooperation with China and that it would be “foolish” to miss the development opportunities offered by China.[4]
Considering that the Solomon Islands joined the Belt and Road Initiative[5] just six months after establishing diplomatic relations with China on September 21, 2019, it can be inferred that Honiara is a significant ally for Beijing.
As mentioned above, it is well known that in the context of the US-China competition, the West attaches significant importance to alliances in the Asia-Pacific region. Therefore, it can be argued that these developments have also directed Beijing towards regional collaborations. Hence, China is said to seek partners with whom it would not face legitimacy issues on a global scale. Solomon Islands, being one of these actors, is considered as such. The mentioned agreement signifies that the strong ties between Beijing and Honiara will continue in the future, and China aims to respond to the containment policies pursued by the US through regional alliances.
As a result, the struggle between Washington and Beijing continues through cooperation and alliances. This is quite important. It can be predicted that these strategies will increase tensions first in regional competition and then in global competition.
[1] “China, Solomon Islands Ink Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to Upgrade Ties”, China Global Television Network, https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-07-10/Xi-meets-with-Solomon-Islands-PM-Manasseh-Sogavare-1lkcndnfqiA/index.html, (Date of Accession: 12.07.2023).
[2] “Xi Meets Sogavare, Urging Enhanced China-Solomon Islands Cooperation”, Xinhua, https://english.news.cn/20230711/58f81aeac3204031aa927a687c467668/c.html, (Date of Accession: 12.07.2023).
[3] “Solomon Islands Signs Controversial Policing Deal with China, Upgrades Ties with Beijing”, WION, https://www.wionews.com/world/solomon-islands-signs-controversial-policing-deal-with-china-upgrades-ties-with-beijing-614126, (Date of Accession: 12.07.2023).
[4] “Solomon Islands Officially Opens Embassy in Beijing, ‘A Big Milestone’ to Further Enhance Relations Between Countries and People”, Global Times, https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202307/1294157.shtml (Date of Accession: 12.07.2023).
[5] “Solomon Islands Joins China’s Belt and Road Initiative, as Leaders Meet in Beijing”, Australia Broadcasting Corporation, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-10-10/solomon-islands-joins-chinas-belt-and-road-as-leaders-meet/11590068, (Date of Accession: 12.07.2023).
