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The former Premier of Malaita was outspoken in his efforts to battle the Chinese government’s agenda among the Pacific Island Nations. Unfortunately, his death comes a day before a court ruling that could boost China’s agenda.
The past few decades have seen China’s increasing efforts to expand its influence in the Pacific Island countries (PIC). Such efforts have sparked decisive resistance from leaders like Daniel Suidani.
Unfortunately, Suidani, passed away a few days ago underscoring the complex and evolving nature of political dynamics in the Solomon Island, amid increasing Chinese engagement.
Crucially, a court ruling that he has long awaited is now left hanging after his death, potentially changing the perspective of China’s hold on the nation.
Chinese presence in the PIC
China’s influence in the Pacific Island countries started to take shape in the early 2010s driven by a multitude of factors. For starters, the abundance of natural resources within the Pacific gives the Eastern nation a vested interest in securing access.
As global powers compete for maritime territories, the PIC serve as a point of dominance for China against the US. Additionally, regarding Taiwan, China’s influence over these countries enables it to isolate the island further, advancing its goal of establishing its ‘One China’ policy.
However, despite its clear agenda, the PIC have welcomed China’s engagement due to the promise of substantial financial aid and development assistance, which many traditional donors have been slow to provide. Some of these countries have expressed concerns about debt dependency, and the political implications of China’s growing regional presence.
One such case is that of the Solomon Islands, having switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 2019. Such a move reflected the nation’s pragmatic willingness to engage with China, motivated by the promises of investment.
Who is Daniel Suidani?
From June 2019 to February 2023, Suidani was a prominent politician who served as the Premier of Malaita Province, the large province of the Solomon Islands. As a politician, Suidani was known for his strong anti-China stance, opposing the Solomon Islands government’s 2019 decision.
He even went to the extent of banning Chinese companies from operating in Malaita and actively sought aid from the United States to counterbalance Chinese influence.
Suidani accused the Chinese government of attempts to bribe him for political allegiance, although he was also accused of receiving bribes from Taiwan. He even held an independence referendum in Malaita in 2020, which the central government dismissed as illegitimate.
Due to his outspoken opposition against Chinese influence and the defiance of the government’s diplomatic shift, Suidani faced significant political retaliation. This led to a no-confidence vote that removed him from office.
Later, the national government declared him ‘unfit for office’ and disqualified him from his provincial assembly seat. During this time, his supporters accused Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare of conspiring with China to orchestrate his removal.
Sadly, a few days ago, on October 21st, it was announced that Suidani has passed away. His death occurred just a day before a Honiara court was set to decide whether to dismiss unlawful assembly charges against him stemming from the 2021 anti-China protests in Malaita.
