Solomon Islands Prime Minister Says China Saved the Island; Former Provincial Premier Says CCP Weaponized It

The Solomon Islands’ leader said that the CCP saved the Pacific Islands nation, while a former provincial premier accuses the CCP of bribing politicians.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare (R) and China's Premier Li Qiang inspect the guard of honor during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on July 10, 2023. Andy Wong/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

The Solomon Islands’ leader said on Aug. 21 that the 2023 Pacific Games projects—which are funded by Beijing—had spared the Pacific Island nation from “total economic collapse” amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare made the remarks during a handover ceremony of the Pacific Games Stadium to the Solomon Islands, which was attended by Chinese Ambassador to the Solomon Islands Li Ming.