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Our bond with China will only grow stronger: Tovosia

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Solomon Islands Government has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on celebrating its 76th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China.

Speaking at a special celebration held at the Mendana Hotel in Honiara on Friday evening, September 26, 2025, Acting Prime Minister Bradley Tovosia delivered a message on behalf of the Government and people of Solomon Islands, conveying warm wishes to President Xi Jinping, the Chinese Government, and the people of China.

“On this important day, we offer our sincere congratulations to President Xi Jinping and the people of China. The founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 was a turning point in history,” Tovosia said.

The Acting Prime Minister commended China’s remarkable achievements over the past seven decades, particularly its rapid development, global leadership, and poverty alleviation efforts.

He noted that China’s experience serves as an inspiration to many developing nations, including Solomon Islands.

“China’s progress in development, innovation, and global leadership has lifted millions out of poverty and continues to inspire developing nations around the world,” he said.

Tovosia said the celebrations hold deep personal meaning for Solomon Islands, as the nation marks six years since establishing diplomatic ties with China in 2019.

“It was a bold and historic decision—based on trust and mutual respect. A decision that placed us on the right side of history and confirmed our recognition of the One China principle.

“Since the establishment of ties, the relationship has produced tangible results.

“These aren’t just ideas on paper. These projects are changing lives and supporting our national development and transformation goals,” he said.

The Acting Prime Minister outlined a number of key cooperation areas between the two countries, including:

  • Road construction and infrastructure development
  • Improved health facilities
  • Agricultural programs
  • Scholarships for students
  • Cultural and people-to-people exchanges

He also announced that the two governments are currently discussing a Framework Agreement on Enhanced Economic Partnership, which is expected to lead to a Free Trade Agreement after 2027.

This will allow Solomon Islands to continue enjoying preferential trade treatment with China.

Tovosia highlighted that beyond projects and investments, the foundation of the partnership lies in the genuine friendship and solidarity between the people of both nations.

“The heart of our relationship is the friendship between our people,” he said.

He expressed strong confidence that the Solomon Islands-China partnership will continue to deepen and broaden, as both countries work together to address shared challenges such as climate change, economic development, and peace and security in the Pacific region.

“The bond between Solomon Islands and China will only become broader, deeper, and more meaningful in the years to come,” he concluded.

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Solomon Islands exports to China hit $2.3 billion in six years

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BY NED GAGAHE

China has emerged as Solomon Islands’ largest trading partner, with two-way trade surging past US$3.5 billion in just six years since diplomatic ties between the two countries were formalised in 2019.

The major milestone was highlighted by Chinese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, H.E. Cai Weiming, during celebrations marking the 76th Anniversary of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), China and 6 years of bilateral relations with Solomon Islands.

“Over the past six years, bilateral trade volume exceeded 3.5 billion US dollars, of which Solomon Islands exports reached more than 2.3 billion US dollars,” Ambassador Weiming announced during the occasion in Honiara.

A major boost for Solomon Islands has come from China’s zero tariff policy on all Solomon Islands products entering the Chinese market.

This has opened up huge opportunities for local exporters, especially in the forestry, fisheries, agriculture, and mining sectors.

“China has implemented zero tariffs to all Solomon Islands products. This brings real benefits to Solomon Islands businesses and people,” Ambassador Weiming said.

The ambassador also mentioned that the trade data reflects a steady rise in economic cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), of which Solomon Islands is an active participant.

“In just six years, China has not only become a top export destination for local goods but also invested in major national infrastructure, health services, education, and rural development,” he said.

Ambassador Weiming said the trade relationship is part of a “comprehensive strategic partnership” that aims to build mutual prosperity.

Meanwhile, both countries are exploring new areas of cooperation in renewable energy, fisheries processing, tourism, and digital economy.

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China-Solomon relations mark six years of progress

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BY NED GAGAHE

China and Solomon Islands on Friday, September 26, 2025, marked six years of formal diplomatic relations with strong messages of friendship, mutual respect, and visible development progress across the islands.

Speaking during the 76th Anniversary celebration of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Chinese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Cai Weiming, hailed the six-year journey as one that has delivered “sustainable and substantial progress” for both countries.

The event was attended by high-level dignitaries, including Acting Prime Minister Bradley Tovosia, government ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, and members of the Chinese community.

“Over the past six years, China and Solomon Islands have achieved real, tangible cooperation. Our bilateral relations have flourished under a comprehensive strategic partnership,” Ambassador Weiming said.

Since the switch in 2019, Solomon Islands has seen an unprecedented wave of development support from China. Projects delivered include:

  • National Stadium & Games Village (hosted Pacific Games 2023)
  • New hospital and medical facilities at NRH
  • Roads, bridges, and power stations in multiple provinces
  • Communication towers in Honiara and outer islands
  • School dormitories and classrooms

Ambassador Weiming said Chinese companies, through a mix of aid, concessional loans, and contracts, have delivered high-quality infrastructure in almost all nine provinces.

“They don’t just build infrastructure—they help create jobs, share knowledge and improve local lives,” he said.

The cooperation has also extended beyond infrastructure.

Ambassador Weiming said in the health sector, the China Medical Team based at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) has treated over 50,000 patients, conducted surgeries, and most recently, carried out Solomon Islands’ first coronary stent operation—a groundbreaking moment for local healthcare.

He said more than 10,000 Solomon Islanders, especially experts and specialists, have undertaken training programmes in China.

Around 200 Solomon students are currently pursuing degrees on full scholarships at Chinese universities.

“Just today, nine Solomon doctors and nurses graduated from Guizhou University,” Ambassador Weiming proudly announced.

He said China is now Solomon Islands’ largest trading partner.

The ambassador said since 2019, total bilateral trade has exceeded US$3.5 billion, with Solomon Islands exports topping US$2.3 billion, due to zero tariffs on SI products entering China.

“These are tangible benefits that go directly to the people,” he said.

Ambassador Weiming emphasised that China’s approach is built on full respect for Solomon Islands’ sovereignty, culture, and development priorities.

“We always respect your decisions, your traditions, and your path forward.

“China and Solomon Islands are working together to build a community with a shared future in the new era,” he said.

Ambassador Weiming ended his speech with a toast for the friendship between the two countries.

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Manele calls to honour international peace and security

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has called on global leaders to uphold international peace and security, as the world continues to increase militarised posture.

Addressing global leaders during the 80th Session of the United Nation General Assembly, he appealed for focus on development agenda and to reverse non-peaceful trend that has been witnessed globally. 

“We meet at a moment of profound uncertainty – marked by deepening conflicts, armed aggression, widening inequalities, and the growing disregard for international law.

“The erosion of the UN Charter’s principles, the alarming return of unilateralism threatens the very foundation of our multilateral system.

“We note with deep concern that the world is now over armed, spending less on the development agenda and increasingly adopted a militarized posture.

“We need to halt and reverse these non-peaceful trends,” Manele said.

Prime Minister Manele announced to the world the “Ocean of Peace Declaration” adopted by Pacific leaders at the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leader (PIFL) meeting held in Honiara early this month.

The goal of the declaration is to free Pacific region from nuclear weapons, militarization, trafficking of illicit drugs and geopolitical posturing.

“We seek a region free from nuclear weapons, militarization, trafficking of illicit drugs and geopolitical posturing.

“My subregion recently adopted the Ocean of Peace Declaration. It is rooted in the Pacific’s collective history and culture.

“It is our collective vision for a resilient, peaceful, and prosperous Blue Pacific continent. 

“We reclaim our sovereignty, support multilateralism and a rules based international order grounded on international law,” he said.

In the meantime, Manele also told world leaders on the country’s milestone signing of the “Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel.”

He mentioned that this week Solomon Islands signed onto the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, noting that 380 humanitarian personnel paid the ultimate sacrifice last year.

“It is our collective responsibility to respect international humanitarian law, protect the safety of humanitarian personnel and civilians and instil accountabilities for all in disaster and war zones,” Manele said.

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SI assures cooperation with UN Commission on Continental Shelf

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Solomon Islands assures close cooperation with the United Nation Commission on the limits of the Continental Shelf.

This international treaty established sovereign rights for coastal states to explore the natural resources of the seabed and subsoil of the continental shelf of their coast.

Speaking at the 80th Session of the United Nation General Assembly, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, highlighted the submissions made by the country to UN Commission on the limits of Continental Shelf.   

He said the Solomon Islands is an archipelagic state and it shares maritime border with five neighbouring countries.

“Earlier this year, Solomon Island made two continental shelf submissions to the United Nations Commission on the limits of the Continental Shelf.

“A bilateral submission with Fiji concerning the Melanesian Border Plateau and a trilateral submission with Fiji and Vanuatu for the North Fiji Basin.

“Solomon Islands looks forward to engaging constructively with the Commission on these matters in the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect,” Manele stated. 

On the same note, he appealed to accelerate negotiation to finalize the binding treaty on plastic pollution to protect the world’s ocean.

PM Manele highlighted this, as the disturbing rate of pollution continues to put the ocean and its inhabitant in jeopardy.

“The alarming rate of pollution in the ocean is endangering marine life and the ocean’s health. We have banned the use of certain single-use of plastic in 2023. 

“But we remain very concerned that negotiations on a legally binding treaty on plastic pollution has stalled.

“We have a collective interest to finalize the treaty and protect our ocean,” he said. 

Moreover, Manele mentioned that on deep sea mining, the Solomon Islands is taking a precautionary approach and has placed a moratorium on it.

He however said, the country supports a regional approach on deep sea mining as agreed by Forum Leaders early this month.

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Lotikena calls for inclusive health approach

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BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

Health officials have been urged to refocus approaches when implementing the national healthy setting resolutions.

Deputy Premier of Western Province, Brian Lotikena emphasised that targets should be on the root cause of health issues rather than clinical approaches.

He said spending more funds of promotions and conferences cannot solve the country’s health issues.

Lotikena stressed that more support should go towards how to create an environment that promotes healthy lifestyle in homes, communities, work places and churches.

He said the Healthy Setting initiative is a brilliant framework to encourage not only bottom-up approach but also inclusive if implemented perfectly.

“The Healthy Island setting initiative is akin to taking the fight to the root causes of our health issues rather than waiting for people to get sick and then addressing their illnesses at the hospital.

“This is perfect because we are taking a preventative approach where we create environments and settings in our homes, communities, work spaces, churches, and so forth, that deter sickness.

“It is less costly, very practical and once our populace becomes used to it, it becomes a healthy lifestyle.

“This in my view, is a more sustainable approach because we are targeting habits, behavior and mindsets,” Lotikena said.

He acknowledges the government and donor partners for supporting the National Healthy Setting Conference.

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Best way to predict the future is to create it: Lotikena

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BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

The Deputy Premier of Western Province urges health professionals to embrace change and take responsibility to shape a better future.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the National Healthy Setting Conference in Gizo last week, Brian Lotikena said the country’s progress depends on the willingness of leaders and citizens to transform lessons learned into practical actions.

He challenges them to shift community mindsets through health interventions, education, and sustainable planning.

Lotikena said a proactive approach is vital in addressing the country’s health challenges.

“It is time to leave behind regrets and fears of uncertainty,” he said.

Lotikena reminded participants that the strategies, plans, and interventions developed during the conference are only the beginning of long-term work that requires commitment.

He added that the conference outcomes now demand action on the ground, calling for cooperation among health professionals, communities, and government institutions.

“I would like to emphasize here that this past week has been one where we are looking at ways and means to create a better, brighter, and sustainable future for our children and their children. The best way to predict the future is to create it. Let’s create a better and brighter future for Solomon Islands,” Lotikena said.

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Tuna stock in the Pacific remains healthy

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

A recent assessment on tuna stock globally has indicated that tuna stocks in the Pacific region remain biologically healthy.

The Pacific region is host to more than half of the world’s tuna catches and is home to tuna species like albacore, yellowfin, bigeye, and skipjack.

A report on the findings was prepared during the Honiara Summit on SDG 14.4, and later presented at the Third UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele highlighted this in his address during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York last Friday.

He said this year, Solomon Islands co-hosted a summit on SDG 14.4 with several UN and regional partners.

Manele said the event gathered Pacific leaders, fisheries organizations, the private sector, and scientists to assess global health of tuna stocks, climate impacts and strengthen partnerships on small scale fisheries.

He mentioned that conclusions of the meeting were presented at the third UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France.

Manele stated that “over half of the world’s tuna is caught in Pacific waters, and all four species—albacore, yellowfin, bigeye and skipjack remain biologically healthy. 

“Our region stands ready to collaborate with the international community and share our experience in fisheries management and restoring fishing zones to sustainable level based on science,” he said.

Manele emphasized that the finding is proof that the world acts better together as stewards of the ocean.

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Call to support healthy setting implementation

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BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

The Deputy Premier of Western Province calls on the government, donor partners, and all stakeholders to come together to support the implementation of the Healthy Setting Resolutions.

Speaking at the closing of the National Healthy Setting Conference in Gizo, Brian Lotikena said the lack of cross-sectoral coordination remains one of the biggest challenges in addressing health issues across the country.

“Everybody seems to be operating within their own silos without being aware of what is going on in other sectors. We seem to be paddling our own canoes in open waters without looking out for each other. That kind of behaviour is un-Solomon like,” he said.

Lotikena stressed that health is a cross-cutting issue that requires collaboration among government ministries, NGOs, donor partners, and communities.

He acknowledges the efforts of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and donor partners for investing in the Healthy Setting initiative, which he said lays the foundation for long-term development.

“This is a huge undertaking and it will require resources, manpower, leadership, and commitment by all players across the board,” he added.

Lotikena said the conference has provided valuable insights, options, and strategies for stakeholders to pool resources and better address health sector challenges.

“Our future depends on how we work together to create a conducive environment that will ultimately fulfill the program’s intended outcomes,” he said.

Lotikena also acknowledges the government for choosing Gizo as the host of the 2025 National Healthy Setting Conference.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of Western Province, I would like to convey our most sincere thanks and gratitude to all of your participants for gracing our shores during the past week. We also hope that you were able to visit some of the sites around here and get to have a taste of Western Province,” he said.

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5th community-based fisheries dialogue 2025 kicks off in Honiara

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Fifth Community-Based Fisheries Dialogue (CBFD5) officially commenced yesterday, September 25 2025, at Ginger Beach Retreat in Northwest Guadalcanal.

This year’s dialogue brings together around 30 participants from across the Pacific region, including civil society organisations (CSOs) and other non-state actors (NSAs), to focus on the future of community-based fisheries management in the Pacific.

Organised with support from the Pacific Community (SPC), the dialogue aims to review progress made since previous dialogues, strengthen accountability, share lessons, and explore practical solutions to scale up successful coastal fisheries initiatives.

In a press statement, SPC confirmed that day one of the event “dives deep into what matters most for Pacific coastal fisheries,” setting the stage for future actionable priorities in managing and protecting vital coastal marine resources.

Key outcomes from CBFD5 will be formally presented at the 18th Heads of Fisheries Meeting and the Seventh Regional Fisheries Ministers’ Meeting in 2026.

This is to ensure that the voices of local communities, CSOs and NSAs are reflected in regional decision-making processes on coastal fisheries.

The Dialogue is coordinated by the CBFD5 Advisory Group members, with Secretariat support from SPC, and is made possible by the financial support of FAO and MiCOAST.

Now in its fifth year since launching in 2021, the Community-Based Fisheries Dialogue has become a recognised regional mechanism, endorsed by Pacific Fisheries Ministers. It was established in response to the Pacific Island Forum Leaders’ 2016 call to elevate the importance of sustainable coastal fisheries.

The dialogue serves as a platform for CSOs, NSAs, and local communities to:

  • Provide policy advice to Pacific leaders on key coastal fisheries challenges.
  • Share on-the-ground experiences and lessons from community-based initiatives.
  • Engage with governments and regional partners on sustainable coastal fisheries governance.

The CBF Dialogue Advisory Group (CBFD-AG) oversees the planning and implementation of the annual dialogue. It advises SPC on operational aspects such as setting the agenda, selecting participants, and appointing the convenor and vice-convenor.

The first day featured four key sessions:

Session 1 – Updates on CBFD4

Participants reflected on achievements from last year’s dialogue, including how recommendations were taken forward to Pacific fisheries leaders and lessons learned to shape future actions.

Session 2 – Voices of CSOs & NSAs

CSOs and NSAs from across the region shared their experiences—highlighting community-led successes, challenges faced on the ground, and pressing priorities to strengthen local fisheries management.

Session 3 – Information & Awareness

Discussions focused on impact-tracking, behaviour change strategies, and leveraging storytelling platforms like Echoes of Oceania to amplify community voices and foster regional learning.

Session 4 – CBFM Monitoring

Participants explored how local knowledge and accessible technologies can support long-term, intergenerational monitoring of community-based fisheries management (CBFM) across the Pacific.

The dialogue concludes today.

Photos: SPC

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