Episode 331: Troubling Signs in Paradise

Today Les, Morgan, Bishop, and Andy discussed the recent elections in the Solomon Islands in which former Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele was elected as Prime Minister. The now-Prime Minister Manele is widely expected to continue the Solomon Islands’ shift toward closer ties with China which has included the derecognition of Taiwan and increasing security and policing ties.
Why do the Solomon Islands matter geopolitically? How has the Biden administration handled the increasing influence of China in the Indo-Pacific? How can the United States increase its influence with the Pacific Small Island States?
Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.
Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!
apnews.com/article/solomon-is...
www.washingtonpost.com/world/...
www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs...
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@morganlroach
@AndyKeiser
@BishopGarrison
@lestermunson
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[@lavalyngrossmith5736]

Solomon islands is too good 👍

[@vavaqulama7151]

Can USA clean their mess in the pacific..too much bark

[@emautafaalmidake7530]

USA forgot SI after the WW2 why now???

[@Rpgpumpkin]

Forgot??
We were colonised by the British not the US.
They (US) did die in the tens of thousands for us, didn't they?
Why the resentment towards the US?

[@emautafaalmidake7530]

@@Rpgpumpkin You correct there however SI was used by US as launching pad and forgot about it after war

[@robertbokelema243]

My country, Solomon Islands' engagement with China PRC, is for economic reasons. The decision could be a trade off that's good or bad for us, but can be fixed in time, accordingly. I support this move, but not the security agreement signed with China because of its negative implications and consequences.
Our Government is aware of the World Bank's safety debt/GDP rating of 30%, so will be mindful, and would push for win--win negotiated decisions.
But for us developing nations, debt trap or not, we need investment in economic infrastructure. That's why we're moving with China.
USA, you see China as a threat. We see China as a development partner, just like USA, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, etc., with their differing development models.
And USA, you have been absent from Solomon Islands and the Pacific since 1945.
It would be useful for the Pacific region, if the USA would roll out its own 'belt and road' program to assist Pacific countries with their development needs. Even if it's debt trapped, what options do we have?

[@user-bg4gm5xy4l]

The nz minister for pacific peoples was also a part solomon islander

[@katubird2814]

What good is the US doing in the Solomons..???

[@katubird2814]

How many goods in the solomons are made in thr US???

[@Rpgpumpkin]

High quality goods, the costs will be such that we won't be able to afford it, amongst other factors like distance and so, freight costs etc.
A made in China or around Asia will suffice as closer to the Solomon's hence cheaper!🤭

[@premamaeato9337]

Just love the discussion... thanks 🙏

[@logan2312]

USA should ask them self what have they done for Solomon islands after the world War 2, for the Last 45 years, what have you done for us. .

[@Rpgpumpkin]

The tens of thousands of US soldiers who died in the Solomon Islands campaign during WWII is enough to answer your question and all others who have commented similarly. It was the ultimate sacrifice!
What more do you guys want, to be spoon fed also?
The question is, "Ask not what more the US can do for Solomon Islands, rather, what can you lot do for the Solomon Islands?!"

[@laniethosea9781]

🇵🇬🇵🇬🇵🇬The US always pushes its own interests and bullying others along the way. Its interest is always military and culture like LGBTQ whilst China builds infrastructure and economic benefits and doesn't impose its culture, religion or Government ideologies on others, China emphasizes mutual respect and cooperation. I wish PNG has got balls like the Solomon to move towards Beijing. After all, we're not Caucasian Anglo Saxons and Australia and the US will never treat us equally. Chinese will because they were once colonized

[@vavagroves4398]

USA you moved your embassy from Honiara to PNG ....why now

[@Rpgpumpkin]

The US Embassy can answer your question if you take the time to call in. Enlightenment awaits you 👍💯%

[@user-mx7ls9dw4i]

For your information, Solomon Islands is being rule by Beijing already, the Chinese companies took over all sort of business from the indigenous company already

[@chriskingsley6337]

Bullshit, chine help solomon islands economy long before signing the deal. Which is 60 to 70 percent of export are bought by China. When you combine US, Australia, Taiwan or any Western allies, they did not even exceed Chines total import from solomon islands. So stop your Western narrative

[@robertcollins403]

I think Solomon Island make a big big mistake. For the futures of Solomon, What ever money China spend for Solomona, if any things happen in Solomona. China want Solomona to pay back China's money.😂😂😂😂😂

[@user-mb2hz7ww4t]

China money elect manele?

[@mw4329]

As long as we not communist country, seems like just around the corner 😃

[@katubird2814]

Useless geo politics

[@emysaavedra8734]

Stop spewing toxic lies! Enough of your jealousy and insecurity ✌️

[@dicksonmanongi7760]

China is doing well.

[@lesliekili4106]

Enough of your jealousy

[@magangounden4163]

The world knows that usa must have got a puppet government 😂😂😂😂😂