NZ Dispatches Naval Ship to Solomon Islands Ahead of Contentious Elections

The Solomons national government has been a key ally of Beijing and the result of the election will be closely watched.

The New Zealand flag flies during the Ataturk Memorial Service in Wellington, New Zealand, on April 25, 2018. Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

New Zealand will send its HMNZS Canterbury, with two helicopters and crew, to the Solomon Islands ahead of the small Pacific nations’ national elections next month.

The ship left on March 26 and is part of a NZ$10.8 million (US$6.48 million) support programme for the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission announced in January.

The personnel and equipment will help transport election officers and materials.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the programme includes funding for the Electoral Commission’s preparation and management, as well as an independent observer mission.

“This is an excellent opportunity for our personnel to work again with the Solomon Islands’ government and alongside Australian counterparts in support of regional peace and security,” Mr. Peters said.

“New Zealand’s overall contribution will support the Commission to lead the delivery of a safe and successful election. It demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment to a resilient democracy in the Solomon Islands and the wider Pacific region.”

Local Media Bought by Beijing

Beijing’s interference—including attempts to control the media in the Solomon Islands—was exposed in emails leaked to the In-depth Solomons website.

They included a message from the owner of Island Sun newspaper, Lloyd Loji, to the editorial staff at the paper.

“I had received a call this morning from Lin [Huangbi Lin, a diplomat working at the Chinese Embassy in Honiara] raising their concern on [an article about Taiwan’s newly-elected president William Lai Ching-te, and what his victory meant to China and the West].

Taiwanese Vice President Lai Ching-te, also known as William Lai celebrates his victory in Taipei, Taiwan on Jan. 13, 2024. AP Photo/Louise Delmotte

“Yesterday, he had sent us a few articles regarding China’s stance on the elections taking place in Taiwan, which he wanted us to publish,” Mr Loji’s email read.

“Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Solomon Islands) made a press release reaffirming Solomon Island’s position with regards to the Taiwan elections (recognition of one China principle). Let us align ourselves according to the position in which our country stands.”

“Be mindful of our publication since China is also a supporter of Island Sun.”

In the last two years, China has provided both financial support and thousands of dollars’ worth of office and media equipment to the Island Sun and Solomon Star newspapers.

On Jan. 14, Mr. Lin sent an email to owners and editors of the Islands’ major news outlets, seeking to influence how they covered the Taiwanese election.

“Dear media friends,” the email read, “As the result of the election in the Taiwan region of the People’s Republic of China being revealed, a few media reports are trying to cover it from incorrect perspectives.

“The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China would like to remind that both inappropriate titles on newly-elected Taiwan leaders and incorrect names on the Taiwan region are against the one-China policy and the spirit of UN resolution 2758.”

He also sent them two articles, both of which were dutifully republished.

Western Nations Attempt to Pushback

Taiwan was an ally of the Solomons Islands until 2019, when newly-elected Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare abandoned them in favour of aligning his country with Beijing.

The move alarmed the United States and Australia, and set off a race for influence in the strategically-located Pacific islands.

In response, the two countries plus New Zealand, the UK, and Japan formed the Blue Pacific Partnership, which focuses on development assistance, committing more than $3.05 billion (US$2 billion) to the region across areas such as climate change, connectivity, and maritime security.

Beijing Pouring Money into the Pacific

But Beijing has proved willing to outspend the Partnership.

For instance, a single project to expand the Honiara port, undertaken by a CCP-owned company and funded by the Asian Development Bank, represents 20 percent of the Partners’ total pledged budget.

Also, one opposition Solomon Islands politician has called for a contentious security pact with Beijing to be reviewed

In April 2022, Beijing and the Solomon Islands leadership penned a security deal that would allow the CCP to station troops, weapons, and naval ships in the country, just 1,200 nautical miles from Australia.

In return, the Solomons can request Beijing’s assistance, including police, armed forces, and other law enforcement.