Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held official talks with Rick Houenipwela, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade of the Solomon Islands, during his official visit to Beijing.
Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, highlighted that bilateral relations have developed robustly since the two nations established diplomatic ties in 2019. He noted that this collaborative relationship has yielded practical achievements across multiple sectors, bringing direct advantages to the citizens of the Solomon Islands.
Looking ahead, the Chinese Foreign Minister expressed Beijing’s eagerness to work closely with the new government of the Solomon Islands. He emphasized the importance of enhancing communication across all governmental tiers, sustaining productive cooperation, and continuing “to take China-Solomon Islands comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era to new heights”.
Addressing broader regional dynamics, Wang pointed out that China’s engagement with Pacific island countries is designed to foster South-South cooperation and advance shared growth. He asserted that these cooperative efforts should not face external interference, stating that “this should not be disrupted by any third party”. He further declared that “Pacific island nations have the right to independently choose their development partners”.
In response, Foreign Minister Houenipwela emphasized the high value his country places on its diplomatic ties with Beijing. He extended his gratitude to China for its consistent, long-term support toward the social and economic development of the Solomon Islands.
Houenipwela reaffirmed his nation’s diplomatic alignment, stating that the Solomon Islands is “firmly committed to the one-China principle”. He added that his country fully supports “the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity and the four major global initiatives”. He concluded by expressing the Solomon Islands’ readiness to actively promote stronger relations between China and other Pacific island nations, while continuing to “step up coordination and cooperation with China within multilateral organizations such as the UN and WTO”.
