China's Growing Presence In Solomon Islands and Samoa | China & The New Pacific (Part 1/2)

China signed a security pact with Solomon Islands and sparked renewed interest in the Pacific. We see the situation in both Solomon Islands and Samoa, where the Chinese presence is growing.

About the show:
The tranquil waters of the Pacific are stirring. After China signed a security pact with Solomon Islands, traditional partners are worried about losing influence. This series goes across the Pacific to meet locals who will be affected by geopolitical rivalry as China’s presence increases. And we interview analysts and political leaders who talk about what the future might hold. The series was filmed in Solomon Islands, Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia and China.

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[ALWH]

This video didn’t mention that US sponsored a coup in Solomon island against the government, the government asked military help from Australia and didn’t get any, which led to the security agreement with China. In addition, Australia didn’t provide earthquake assistance and China did also speed up the pro China movement. There is always two sides of the story.

[Noob-ngof]

As a Solomon Islander I can say that Chinese are way more effective. When they say they will do something, you see results in 3-6 months. The same can be said for the Japanese.

Australia, US and NZ also gives us alot of money but most of these goes towards "consulting services" with no actual results on the ground.

Maybe Asians are just better at putting their aid money to good use.

[robinlanganasanga]

What have Australia done to us South pacific? I remember China come into our country gave us infrastructure needed by our people. Where were you our richest neighbors Australia and New Zealand. Now that Chinese come in and you guys want to prevent them? They are humans. It's up to us melenesians to make critical decisions on how we handle our partnership with foreign powers. It not bad to have China as our largest partner.
🇵🇬 🇸🇧 🇻🇺 🇫🇯 🇨🇳 🇹🇱
Long live melanesia.

[WiseFool]

Coming from Fiji ive observed both western and eastern business practices and to be quite honest the way the west does business is exploitative and they express themselves through a unconscious philosophy of domination putting in a little but taking out the most its disgusting they need to grow their character. Observing the chinese business men they are very co-operative and work with a spirit of reciprocation they also pay for additional infrastructure it feels both parties are winning.

[MobileGamingWithTar]

Solomon Islands and Samoa have been neglected by Western countries until China to China.

[hpaul]

Without infrastructure, Roads, Rail, Ports, Schools, Hospitals Reservoirs and Waste Water Treat plants poor countries remain in a “POVERTY TRAP OF STAGNATION”. Infrastructure is the essential platform for countries to grow and modernize.

[jchanmcse]

I am moved by Ronna for her respect of her ancestors who came from China and worked as hard labor in Samoa at that time! Ronna, you're the best!

[SW-fypq]

This is the situation:

Solomon: "Aus, can you help me?"
AUS: “F off!"
Chn: "I can help”
AUS: "Chn is evil. Chn is influencing Solomon."
Solomon: "But can you help me?"
AUS: "F off!"

[deser]

The islanders should remember that before china started some activities and investment, the west and japan almost abandoned these areas.

[rohand]

The Solomon Islanders died to serve the Australians and the Americans during ww2. After the war what did the Americans and Australians do to help the Solomon Island? Since 1945 they have plenty of time and chance to help the Solomon Island to develop and prosper. Now 2022, 77 years later, the Solomon Island still doesn't have decent infrastructures, still poor, still depending on handouts and charity. So for 77 years the west didn't lift a finger to help but only take advantage of cheap labour and cheap natural resources to help themselves. The Chinese came to help build infrastructures, build up standard of living just in the last 5 years or so and they already making a lot of difference. So who is the bad guy? The one that for 77 years milking Solomon island or the one that bringing Solomon island out if poverty just in the last few years?

[bicolorangel]

So ironically, most of you may not know how much Singapore has invested in China and how much investment Singapore has received from China. Just take a look at the portfolio of Temasek and the shareholders of Shopee, Grab, SEA, etc., you will be amazed. Concurrent to making money from the trade and investment with China, Singaporean public media is advocating the threat of Chinese investment in other countries. Then why Singapore is still trading with and investing heavily in China?

[tavuata]

For us in the Solomon Islands, the Chinese community have always been and will continue to be an important part of our business community. Despite all that we went through, I believe there are alot of lessons learnt and we will build a new Solomon Island together. Alex from Chengs constructiom group is a fine example of this vision.

[bboystretch]

If you just pay attention to the infrastructure in the video you will clearly see the people of Solomon Islands NEED to get the infrastructure improvements.

[fvalemus]

Are Solomon Islands, Samoa, Fiji and the rest, vassal states of Australia and the West? No? Then what is your pbm?

Lol.

[phanthanhk]

i'm so proud of Ronna Lee, she did not afraid of acknowledge that she is part chinese openly during this dangerous period in the Island. I'm vietnamse chinese, i can relate to her situation of being chinese born and leaving in a foreign country. I wish more chinese are like Ronna Lee who never forget her root. Thumbs up for her.

[thelastaustralian]

Guess what Australian Politician said this ! "If the Public knew what we had been up to. They would Hang us for Treason !"

[xwqi]

Don't be surprised to see English channels talking about China.
Let's ask the host: when the Angsa people first set foot in Malaysia in the 14th century, Kuala Lumpur changed from a city with people to a city with 20000 people a year later. When the Onsa set foot in Australia.... When the Onsa set foot on the American continent, an Indian country with at least 20 million people, the Maya people suddenly disappeared? The Indians taught the Onsa pirates to grow corn and sweet potatoes. When the Indians exchanged gold filled with two prisons for the king, the pirates killed the Indian king. Then the Onsa told us that Indians had no civilization...
China recorded friendly trade ties with Iran, Saudi Arabia and the Philippines 2000 years ago. Has China ever had conflicts with these countries since 2000? Yes, when the Onsa came

[antongavutti]

Stay Strong Samoa - Solomon Islands & China Friendship!!!

[kevonz]

I sailed to Gizo in the Soloman Islands from Micronesia. Most of the people were incredibly poor.
Unlike the "Empire of Chaos" as Pepe Escobar refers to the USA, China invests money in infrastructure in many Pacific Island States. I've seen it myself in Tonga and now I know of it in the Solomon Islands.
When I was sailing out of Gizo to Australia there was a $25 customs clearance fee for the yacht. They couldn't find the 'receipt' book, so they waved the fee. I said, "Just take the money and don't worry about the receipt"!
The incredibly honest Customs officer said "I'm not allowed to accept cash without a receipt" !
A few years later I was speaking at a climate change conference in Wellington and met the delegate from the Solomon Islands I bought all his beers because he wouldn't take the money either!
Very honourable people from my experience. They know they can't trust the empire.

[dxelson]

Honestly calling it the biggest foregin policy blunder in the Pacific just reiterates that Australia sees the Solomons as their backyard and their ownership lmao. They can choose whatever they want