Solomon Islands: High levels of Chinese influence in Prime Minister Manele’s Government

On 8 May, the Minister for Rural Development and Member of Parliament for North Malaita, Daniel Waneoroa, confirmed his resignation from the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) after accusations that the Chinese Embassy coerced him to quit the group. Daniel Waneoroa, who became a minister ten days ago, stated that his decision aligns with “fostering national stability and a collective national vision” under Prime Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele’s Government. IPAC, a global organisation comprising members from 27 mostly liberal democratic countries, accused China of “bullying behaviour” and challenging the sovereignty of the Solomon Islands. In response to the accusations, the Chinese embassy said in a statement that the foreign interference allegations were “baseless.” Subsequently, PM Jeremiah Manele reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the One-China Policy, warning government workers against engaging with Taiwan.

Assessment: Waneoroa was a member of the opposition and independent group in parliament before his appointment. China has ongoing projects, including road construction in Malaita Province and may have leveraged that as well as worked through PM Manele to coerce Waneoroa into quitting IPAC. PM Manele’s statement supporting the One-China Policy and warning against engagement with Taiwan indicates high levels of Chinese influence in his government.

Sources: Moffat Mamu, “North Malaita MP Resigns from IPAC, Reaffirms Support for National Unity,” Solomon Star, May 11, 2025; “China accused of foreign interference in Solomon Islands after minister quits international group,” RNZ, May 13, 2025; “Pacific news in brief for 20 May,” RNZ, May 20, 2025.