Solomon Islands Playing US, China Off Against Each Other: Diplomacy Expert

Solomon Islands Playing US, China Off Against Each Other: Diplomacy Expert
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and then-Chinese Premier Li Keqiang inspect honor guards during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Oct. 9, 2019. Wang Zhao/AFP via Getty Images
Daniel Y. Teng
Updated:
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The contentious security deal between the Solomon Islands and Beijing is a sign that the Pacific nation is exploiting “Great Power” competition between China and democratic allies in the region, according to a diplomacy expert.

Joseph Siracusa, adjunct professor of international diplomacy at Curtin University, said smaller nations will play “small power politics” when wedged between bigger countries attempting to gain influence over a region.

Daniel Y. Teng
Daniel Y. Teng
Writer
Daniel Y. Teng is based in Brisbane, Australia. He focuses on national affairs, including federal politics and Australia-China relations. Got a tip? Contact him at [email protected].
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