Assurances follow Solomon Islands switch to recognising China.
A most recent assurance, and a welcome one by the parents of the Solomon Island’s students that were studying in Taiwan before the news broke about the SIG’s switch to recogning China, is the fact that the ROC Government in Taipei has reportedly confirmed that the students will be allowed to continue their studies in Taiwan under full scholarship terms till January next year.
Meanwhile, Australia has said it respects Solomons' decision to switch to China and will not affect the Solomons bilateral relationship with Canberra.
Australia is by far Solomon Islands largest aid donor with $AU187 million in official development assistance provided in the past financial year according to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
According to a Radio New Zealand news bulletin today, Friday, a spokesperson from Australia's foreign ministry said Australia respected the sovereign right of the Solomons government to make its own decisions.
"Australia does not take a position on other countries' choices about their diplomatic relationships," the spokesperson said.
In stark contrast the United States seems to have taken issue with Solomon Islands decision, its Senator Mike Pence reportedly withdrawing a prior invitation to meet with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in New York.
Despite this apparent rebuff, the Prime Minister, has said “it’s business as usual and the planned expansion of US assistance to the Solomon Islands is not contingent upon the Solomon Islands remaining with Taiwan.
The PM has said the return presence of the United States Government is based on shared values and historical ties that stretch back to World War II.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
