In a significant setback for the Biden Administration’s efforts to bolster its presence in the Pacific, the White House has expressed disappointment over the decision by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare of the Solomon Islands to skip the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum summit with President Joe Biden. The high-stakes summit, set to occur at the White House on Monday, is emblematic of the United States’ escalating struggle for influence in the region, squarely pitted against China.
A spokesperson from the Biden Administration conveyed their dismay, stating, “We are disappointed that PM Sogavare of the Solomons does not plan to attend.”
Sogavare’s conspicuous absence comes on the heels of his address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York last Friday, where he lavished praise on China’s approach to development cooperation. He extolled China’s strategies as “less restrictive, more responsive, and aligned to our national needs,” underscoring Beijing’s status as the Solomon Islands’ paramount infrastructure partner.
During a visit to China in July, Sogavare revealed an understanding reached with President Xi Jinping, aligning the Solomon Islands with China’s developmental frameworks, notably the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Global Security Initiative.
In a parallel development, China and Timor Leste announced the elevation of their bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, potentially affording Beijing greater sway in the region.
This strategic accord followed a meeting between President Xi and Timor Leste’s Prime Minister, Xanana Gusmao, in Hangzhou, China, just ahead of the Asian Games’ opening ceremony. President Xi articulated, “Both sides will increase mutual support and strengthen international cooperation.”
Timor Leste, under President Jose Ramos-Horta, has openly embraced a closer association with China, particularly in sectors such as energy, agriculture, and infrastructure. This upgrade in relations positions Timor Leste to tap into the expansive opportunities offered by the Belt and Road Initiative, presenting prospects for substantial infrastructure investments. Timor Leste is also harboring ambitions to commence natural gas production from its Greater Sunrise fields around 2030, marking a significant stride in the development of a project that had long languished in uncertainty.
Both parties committed to bolster high-level military exchanges, expand bilateral investments, and collaborate across various domains, encompassing infrastructure and agriculture, as indicated in a joint declaration released on Saturday.
President Biden’s Pacific summit, encompassing leaders from the 18-member Pacific Islands Forum, is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday in Washington. In lieu of Prime Minister Sogavare, the Solomon Islands will be represented by Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele, according to reports from the Australian broadcaster ABC.
Additionally, Vanuatu’s Prime Minister, Sato Kilman, will also be absent from the summit, with officials citing a parliamentary no-confidence vote that necessitates the presence of all government lawmakers on Monday.
The office of the Solomon Islands’ prime minister has yet to respond to Reuters’ request for comment on the matter, leaving the diplomatic implications of Sogavare’s decision to linger.
By Reuters
