The Solomon Islands said on Tuesday (October 4th) that they opposed an initial version of the declaration of partnership between the United States and the Pacific Islands, explaining that they were "
uncomfortable
" with several indirect references to China.
The archipelago's foreign minister, Jeremiah Manele, was questioned by journalists in New Zealand on press reports concerning the reservations that his country would have formulated around the joint declaration, signed in Washington last week.
Read alsoWashington announces $810 million in aid for the Pacific Islands
“
In the initial version, there were several references that we were uncomfortable with
,” Mr. Manele said.
They "
put us in a position where we had to choose a side and we don't want to be put in (such) a position
", he added.
Asked if these references were to China, he replied, “
indirectly.
»
Jeremiah Manele says the summit held in late September in Washington between the United States and 14 Pacific island nations was then able to find "
common ground
" in negotiations, allowing the Solomon Islands to sign the final declaration .
The United States has been a key player in the South Pacific since its victory in World War II.
In recent years, however, China has strongly asserted its presence there by making investments, training police officers and, more controversially, establishing a security pact with the Solomons.
Read alsoChina announces that it has signed a controversial security agreement with the Solomon Islands
To counter Beijing's growing influence in the region, US President Joe Biden announced at the summit a new $810 million aid fund for Pacific islands and signed a joint statement with them, promising a stronger partnership. narrow.
Manele, speaking in Wellington on Tuesday following talks with his New Zealand counterpart Nanaia Mahuta, said both China and the United States were welcome in the Pacific.
He reiterated the Solomon Islands' position that their security pact with Beijing, signed in April, would not lead to China establishing a military presence in the archipelago.
The Asia-Pacific "
should not be seen as a region of confrontation, of conflict, of war
", Mr. Manele said.
“
We welcome America's re-engagement in the Pacific and look forward to working with all of our partners.
»
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