A week after a Chinese missile test sparked protests across the Pacific, Beijing has reaffirmed its unconditional support for Honiara and pledged to deepen ties.
The commitment came as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met his Solomon Islands counterpart Rick Houenipwela in Beijing on Tuesday, just days after China test-fired a ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine on July 6.
The test, which marked China’s first strategic submarine-launched long-range ballistic missile test into international waters since a land-based intercontinental launch in 2024, was denounced by regional leaders as destabilising.
According to the Chinese statement of Tuesday’s meeting, Wang said there had been “strong development” in the two nations’ bilateral relations since diplomatic ties were established in 2019, and that the partnership had delivered “tangible benefits” to the Solomon Islands people.
He pledged to deepen exchanges at all levels and expand practical cooperation relating to green energy, climate change, health, education and other fields, with the goal of elevating their comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights.
“China maintains continuity and stability in its policy toward the Solomon Islands and has always supported the Solomon Islands in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence and legitimate rights and interests, as well as in pursuing a development path of its own choosing,” Wang said.
“China’s cooperation with the Solomon Islands is free of political conditions, does not impose its will on others, and does not issue ‘empty promises’.”