Clarity Sought Over Beijing’s $30 Million Bailout of Solomon Islands

The island nations’ own MPs don’t know whether the money is a gift or a loan, with new Solomons PM Jeremiah Manele remaining tight-lipped about the cash.

A police patrol car provided with aid from the Chinese government in Honiara, capital city of the Solomon Islands, on April 18, 2024. Saeed Khan/AFP via Getty Images

Independent MPs in the Solomon Islands are demanding that Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele clarify the details of a $30 million (US$20 million) bailout provided by Beijing.

Mr. Manele referred to it as “budgetary support,” when he announced the agreement on July 17 but the MPs say Parliament hasn’t been told whether it’s a grant or a loan.