Australia says it respects Solomons' decision to switch to China
Quoting Radio New Zealand – 20 September 2019
“Australia says Solomon Islands' decision to end 36 years of diplomatic relations with Taiwan will not affect the Pacific nation's bilateral relationship with Canberra.
“This week Solomon Islands cabinet voted overwhelmingly in support of establishing diplomatic ties with China prompting Taipei to terminate their bilateral relations.
“Honiara has yet to establish diplomatic relations with China, but Beijing has already issued a statement welcoming the move.
“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.
“A spokesperson from Australia's foreign ministry said Australia respected the sovereign right of the Solomons government to make its own decision and that the decision will not alter the bilateral relationship between Canberra and Honiara.
"Australia does not take a position on other countries' choices about their diplomatic relationships," the spokesperson said.”
Copyright @ 2019, Radio New Zealand.
