Solomon Islands Prime Minister Isn’t to Be Trusted on Beijing Ties: Expert

China's ambassador to the Solomon Islands Li Ming (R), and Solomons Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare are cutting a ribbon during the opening ceremony of a China-funded national stadium complex in Honiara on April 22, 2022. Mavis Podokolo/AFP via Getty Images

A leading security expert has questioned the Solomon Island prime minister’s latest claim that Australia remains the country’s top security partner over China.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare wouldn’t be able to withstand any pressure from Beijing, according to Malcolm Davis of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI).