Correct Answer : Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands has elected former Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele as its new prime minister, indicating that the South Pacific island nation is likely to maintain close ties with China.
Manele’s Victory and Promises
* Jeremiah Manele secured
31 votes in a secret ballot involving
49 lawmakers, defeating opposition leader Matthew Wale, who received 18 votes. Manele used his first speech as the leader to promise to govern with integrity and prioritize the nation’s interests.
Continuity in Solomon Islands-China Relations
* The withdrawal of pro-Beijing former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare from the contest and his support for Manele as their party’s candidate suggest that the Solomon Islands could follow a similar trajectory in its relationship with China.
* During Sogavare’s previous term, China’s influence in the Solomon Islands grew significantly, with the country switching diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing and striking a secret security pact that raised concerns about potential Chinese naval presence in the region.
