BLUF
The Solomon Islands is of interest in the US/China diplomatic struggle for influence across the Pacific—Australia's relationship with the Solomons and the US means it also has a vital part to play in this diplomatic struggle.Summary
Australia has sent troops and police to the Solomon Islands. Australia and New Zealand previously led the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) from 2003-2017 to restore order.
Key points:
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Since the end of World War II, the US has underwritten stability in the SW Pacific region.
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The Solomon Islands switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to mainland China in 2019.
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Many Solomon Islanders, especially from the island of Malaita, didn't support this move.
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Chinese businesses are being targeted as anger rises against Beijing's increasing influence in the country.
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Pacific Pax Americana is being challenged by "Pax Sinica".
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Around the world, China practises transactional diplomacy and does not comment on governance issues or corruption.
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The Solomon Islands matter to Australia as it is in our area of influence.
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Solomon Island's trade with China is now greater than Solomon Island's trade with Australia.
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China has increased aid to the Solomons (Australia is still the largest donor), is building infrastructure, and may be interested in developing military bases.
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Australia and the West need to show "consistent resolve" not to lose influence in the region.
References
- Nov 2021 Sydney Morning Herald Behind the scenes in the Solomons, local leader has leveraged China issue to his advantage
- Nov 2021 Los Angeles Times Is China to blame for Solomon Islands unrest?
- Nov 2021 Lowy Institute Dark days for Honiara in the shadow of geopolitics
- Nov 2021 the Strategist No short-term solution to Solomon Islands strife
