Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says “demonising China” is not his concern.
When responding to questions from the media if he is concern that some people are demonising China, Manele said Solomon Islands treats all its partners “equally”.
“I am not concern that others are demonising China,” Manele told reporters.
“Our position is to work with all partners,” he added.
“We have no problem with any of our partners who want to work with us. If other countries have a problem with China, that is a problem for those countries to deal with.”
The prime minister added that a lot have been achieved since the bilateral relationship with China commenced.
“We have seen a lot of tangible outcomes, not only economic infrastructure but also social infrastructure.”
Manele further responded to what he described as ongoing efforts by certain international and domestic media platforms to continue to create and circulate misinformation and disinformation about the Solomon Islands relations with China.
“Our relationship with China is the same as our relationship with any other any other country we have diplomatic relations with.
“It is based on the principles of mutual understanding and respect for sovereignty.”
He further explained that the SBD$170 million (US$20 million) funding announced during his visit was grant funding to support specific agreed projects.
“Such announcements are done by all of our partners when they provide grant funding to Solomon Islands. I ask media platforms to be responsible in their reporting. Stop fabricating news to misinform people.”
When asked why he led a large delegation to China compared to any other visits to other countries, Manele said in terms of the trips, one of the deciding factors in terms of the size of delegations was external funding for the trips.
“China funds the expenses for this trip and of course previous trips,” he said.
