HONIARA (Solomon Star/PINA) — Controversy has erupted over a Solomon Islands government delegation going to China despite the country getting millions of dollars help from Taiwan.
Foreign Affairs Minister Alex Bartlett said the trip by politicians and commercial representatives was a trade study and nothing to do with foreign policy.
But opposition spokesman on foreign affairs, Alfred Sasako, called on Prime Minister Allan Kemakeza, to clarify whether a change in foreign policy is being planned. He said Bartlett appeared to be saying different things to the prime minister.
Sasako said: “This is a politically sensitive issue for the two Chinas and understandably the Republic of China (Taiwan) is very upset about the proposed visit to Beijing.”
Solomon Islands is one of the few countries with diplomatic relation with Taiwan, which calls itself the “Republic of China,” but is considered by China as a renegade province.
Bartlett said a trade study with China is important. “If you visit any stores in Chinatown, most of the goods come from mainland China,” he said.
Kemakeza said his government has no plans to change its diplomatic ties.
Sasako said: “It is time the prime minister puts his foot down in controlling his ministers, who appear to be doing their own thing.”
He added, “The important thing is for the prime minister to clarify his government position on this matter once and for all. It is in the best interest of lasting relations between Solomon Islands and the Republic of China (Taiwan), especially at a time when all other so-called friends seem to be jumping ship.”
Taiwan has pumped aid into Solomon Islands as the country tries to recover from two years of ethnic conflict, and a continuing economic crisis amid law and order problems.
Taiwan’s support has included millions of dollars to rescue the Commodity Export Marketing Authority and to restart the fishing and cannery operations in Noro, Western Province.
Taiwan also supported major rice and vegetable growing projects and piggery development, before the worsening ethnic conflict halted progress on these.
Taiwanese bank loans have also helped fund millions of dollars of controversial compensation payments following the peace agreement.
The controversy over the delegation visiting China broke out as a Taiwanese naval squadron of three ships was visiting Honiara.
Hundreds of sailors on shore leave put much-needed money into the local economy.
During the previous Manasseh Sogavare-led government, there was an attempt to get a grant from the government in Beijing, through Hong Kong intermediaries.
