The Solomon Islands has a new prime minister after Jeremiah Manele lost power in a no-confidence vote, ending months of political uncertainty.
The country of Pacific nation of 767,000 people will now be headed by Matthew Wale, the long-time opposition leader who has been critical of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the past.
The change will likely be well-received in Canberra, as Australian authorities have been concerned about Beijing’s influence over the neighbouring country’s previous leader Manessah Sogavare and his deepening ties with Beijing.
Wale has moved quickly to restore stability, announcing a full 24-member Cabinet just days after taking office in Honiara. Several of the new Cabinet members were among the 19 MPs who crossed the floor to help bring down the Manele government….Â
The Solomon Islands Has a New Leader—What Does It Mean for China and Australia?

