The China “Threat” and the Solomon Islands
CounterPunchFEB 23 2022
Solomon Islands Awaits Vote Count After Closely Watched Elections
Image copyright: Chris Jackson/Staff/Chris Jackson Collection via Getty Images
The Facts
Ballot counting began in the Solomon Islands on Thursday, marking the start of a long process that will culminate with a new 50-member parliament selecting a prime minister behind closed doors.
The vote held on Wednesday has been closely watched abroad due to its potential ramifications for regional security, as this is the first time citizens have been able to cast a ballot since a security pact with China was signed in 2022.
If re-elected, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has pledged to deepen relations with Beijing, while his main rivals have expressed concerns over Chinese influence in the archipelago.
The Spin
Anti-China narrative
China's growing influence in the Pacific is a major threat to regional safety. If Sogavare achieves an unprecedented second term, then the archipelago will strengthen its ties with Beijing — otherwise, the nation will change its global path. Beyond geopolitics, democracy in the Solomon Islands could also be at risk if Sogavare wins.
Pro-China narrative
To counteract China's regional influence, the US may try to steal the election in the Solomon Islands through so-called democracy promotion operations. The American embassy in Honiara has, of course, denied any involvement and called accusations against it disinformation — but isn't this election a textbook example of how the US meddles in other nation's affairs?
Metaculus Prediction
Go Deeper
Establishment split
Sign Up for Our Free NewslettersSign Up for Our Free Newsletters
Sign Up!
Sign Up Now!