SOGA ON TAIWAN_CHINA ISSUE
"The ability of the country to cope, with the overbearing economic power, must be properly analysed to be inline with the experiences of developing countries in the region. Also, many more other issues must be considered before making any decision."
The deployment of various government teams to Beijing and neighbouring Pacific Island Countries is in keeping with the government’s commitment not to leave any stone unturned before making any decision on whether or not to switch allegiance to Beijing or remain with Taipei.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare made an exclusive statement via SIBC News in response to what he describes as misleading statements by the Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition and some members of the public.
Prime Minister Sogavare said, the Government is doing this for the benefit of the people of Solomon Islands who are rightly concerned about a range of negativities that is alleged to characterise China’s diplomatic relationship with the vulnerable developing economies.
“The ability of the country to cope, with the overbearing economic power, must be properly analysed to be inline with the experiences of developing countries in the region. Also, many more other issues must be considered before making any decision.”
Prime Minister Sogavare said, anyone thinking the Government is not taking this matter seriously, is kidding.
He says, if anyone is serious with this issue, it is the government because it is answerable to the people of this nation on policy decisions that will affect them.
Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition government, Hon. Mathew Wale earlier said, “Obviously the government is divided over this issue. There are very strong pro China and pro Taiwan groups within the government.”
He says the country’s national interest should be paramount when it comes to our diplomatic relations.