An opposition party in the Solomon Islands says it would seek to reestablish diplomatic relations with Taiwan if it comes to power in elections planned for April. The current government of the small Pacific island state broke off relations with Taipei in 2019 in favor of establishing relations with Beijing.
On Wednesday, the head of the opposition United Party’s (UP) political wing, Peter Kenilorea Jr., laid out his party's foreign policies during a press conference according to the Solomon Star. Kenilorea says the party would restart relations with Taiwan, as well as “reassess” a 2023 security pact between the Solomon Islands and China.
The security pact has not been made public, but public statements say it aims to establish a “comprehensive strategic partnership” between China and the Solomon Islands and aims to increase cooperation on “law enforcement and security matters.” The signing of the deal raised concerns in the United States as well as neighboring countries such as New Zealand and Australia. New Zealand and Australia have previously provided police and security assistance to the islands, including during the 2022 riots in the capital city Honiara. The riots were related in part to peaceful protests against the diplomatic shift from Taiwan to China. The Solomon Islands do not maintain military forces of their own but do have a police force that handles internal security matters.
Kenilorea says the security pact with China has created unnecessary tension in the region, adding, “We injected ourselves into this playing field where giants are and then we become the grass upon which this giant treads. So, we want to lessen this tension and I think one of those ways is to get rid of this security arrangement with China.”
On Thursday, a spokesperson for Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry said that Taiwan has always been open to sincere exchanges with other countries. The ministry adds that any opportunity for Taiwan to enhance its international status and expand its international space will be taken seriously.