Foreign minister urges Suidani to be mindful of foreign relations policy

Solomon Islands Foreign Minister, Hon Jeremiah Manele, Calls for Unity of the Country in
response to Malaita Provincial Premier’s Statement that challenges Solomon Islands recognition
of the “One China Policy”.

Minister Manele condemns the statement issued by Premier Daniel Suidani yesterday when the
Premier made reference to the Republic of China (ROC) as a state rather than a province of the
People’s Republic of China (PRC).

Solomon Islands recognize the one China policy as of 21st September 2019 when it signed
diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Taiwan is an integral part of the
People’s Republic of China’s territory.

“Such divisive statement from a Provincial Premier threatens the unity of the country at a time
when we need to work together in keeping COVID-19 from entering our borders and not
politicize the virus,” Minister Manele said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade is also investigating possible external
interference into Solomon Islands domestic affairs. This was after the Ministry received a call
from DHL seeking confirmation whether a certain private citizen is a member of staff of the
MFAET.

There are three DHL consignments supposedly sent from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of
Taiwan to an individual at Kaibia Settlement, Central Honiara. All packages remains unclaimed,
items include medical masks, infrared Thermal Imaging Camera and other equipment.

Minister Manele calls for respect for government’s foreign policy and urge those who continue
to make provocative and inflammatory statements to stop and work towards building a strong
united country.