Published 10:57 IST, September 24th 2023
Solomon Islands' PM decides to skip Pacific Summit, hosted by Joe Biden
Prime Minister Sogavare did not merely decline the summit; he used his address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York to praise China.
As President Joe Biden gears up for a crucial summit with leaders from the Pacific Islands Forum, the White House has expressed disappointment over the absence of Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare. The summit, scheduled for Monday, is a vital element of Biden's strategy to bolster U.S. engagement in a region where it contends with China for influence.
Here is what you need to know - President Biden is set to host a second summit with leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum at the White House next week, emphasising the United States' determination to ramp up its engagement in the Pacific. This move comes as part of a broader effort to secure influence in a region where China's presence is growing significantly. "We are disappointed that PM Sogavare of the Solomons does not plan to attend," voiced a Biden Administration official, reflecting the White House's sentiments regarding the absence of the Solomon Islands' leader, as per a report from The Guardian.
Sogavare's remarks at the UN
Prime Minister Sogavare did not merely decline the summit; he used his address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York to praise China's approach to development cooperation. He characterised China's efforts as "less restrictive, more responsive, and aligned to our national needs." Sogavare specifically highlighted China as the Solomon Islands' primary infrastructure partner.
Furthermore, Sogavare disclosed that he had reached a mutual understanding with President Xi Jinping during his visit to China in July. This agreement, according to Sogavare, revolves around the pursuit of development through China's comprehensive policies, including the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Global Security Initiative.
Solomon Island isn't alone
In a parallel development that underscores China's regional ambitions, China and Timor-Leste recently announced an elevation of their bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. This agreement, following a meeting between President Xi Jinping and Timor-Leste's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao in Hangzhou, positions China for increased influence in the region.
"Both sides will increase mutual support and strengthen international cooperation," President Xi stated, signalling China's intention to deepen its ties in the Pacific region.
The absence of Prime Minister Sogavare from the Pacific summit signals a shift in the region's dynamics as the U.S. and China vie for influence. Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele will represent the nation at the summit, highlighting the evolving geopolitical landscape in the Pacific and the complex challenges facing nations as they navigate competing interests. As President Biden prepares to convene this pivotal summit, all eyes are on the interactions and negotiations that will shape the future of Pacific geopolitics, with each move holding the potential to reshape the balance of influence in this critical region.
Updated 10:57 IST, September 24th 2023