BEIJING (Reuters) – Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare met Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing on Wednesday and signed several agreements in the first official visit since the two countries established diplomatic relations last month.
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The new diplomatic relationship is a sign of China’s growing influence in the Pacific and a setback for self-ruled, democratic Taiwan. The Solomon Islands severed ties with Taiwan when it established them with Beijing.
“I am pleased to recognise the one China policy … We are pleased to be on the right side of history and normalise relations with the People’s Republic of China,” Sogavare said ahead of a meeting with Li and a Chinese delegation.
China has in recent years been expanding its influence in the Pacific to the alarm of the United States and its main regional ally, Australia.
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After the Solomon Islands recognised Beijing, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence declined a request from the Solomon Islands leader to meet to discuss cooperation.
Taiwan President Tsai Ing Wen said last month the end of its diplomatic relations with the Solomon Islands was further evidence of Chinese efforts to meddle in Taiwan’s January elections. – The Star