The Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, Manasseh Sogavare, is heading to China next week, further escalating the intense competition between Beijing and Washington for influence in the South Pacific. Spokesperson Wang Wenbin of the Chinese Foreign Ministry has stated that Sogavare's visit will “inject new momentum” into the country's relationship with China, as well as “deepen mutual political trust, expand pragmatic cooperation and strengthen people-to-people exchanges”.

China constantly tells the world that all it seeks is mutual respect and win-win cooperation. This is a great example in the flesh:

The Solomon Islands are home to just 700,000, but China still treats them as equals, welcoming their PM with open arms. 🇨🇳🇸🇧 https://t.co/LoDQdmj36M

— Andy Boreham 安柏然 (@AndyBxxx) July 10, 2023

The Solomon Islands’ decision to switch diplomatic relations from Taiwan to China and sign a security agreement that could potentially involve Chinese forces being stationed in the island nation has caused concern in Washington, as well as in Australia and New Zealand. In response, the US has opened a US Embassy in the Solomon Islands, and President Joe Biden has announced a strategy for the Pacific Islands that includes climate change, maritime security and overfishing, and has pledged $810 million in aid over the next ten years.

Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman has also visited the Solomon Islands, promising the US would “stand shoulder to shoulder” with the country in the face of China’s influence. The Solomon Islands Prime Minister's visit to China is indicative of the increasing pressure from both Washington and Beijing to gain influence in the region, and the Solomon Islands will be a key battleground in this struggle for control.