China’s Influence in the Pacific Islands: A Conversation with Daniel Suidani of the Solomon Islands

In April 2022, the Solomon Islands became the first of the Pacific Islands to sign a security pact with the People’s Republic of China (PRC), setting off alarm bells in Washington. However, China’s influence in the Pacific Islands has been steadily growing for years. In 2019, China succeeded in persuading the Solomon Islands to switch diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to the PRC.

Not everyone in the Solomon Islands welcomed these decisions. Daniel Suidani, the former Premier of the Solomon Islands’ most populous province, Malaita, has put himself in China's crosshairs by standing firm for democratic principles in the face of Chinese influence and questioning the government's decision to switch recognition to the PRC. For those views, the government recently ousted him from his elected seat in the Malaita provincial assembly.

Hear from Suidani himself as he sits down with Heritage’s Jeff Smith to discuss China's growing and alarming influence in the region.

Listen here...

[justinmueller]

China's Uncensored 50 cent army represent!!

[onerimeuse]

China uncensored sent me here as well. But this dude is a brave man. Standing up for what he knows is right, in the face of total opposition.

[ravenlips]

China Uncensored brought me here! This conversation is much needed!!!

[DArtagnan]

There is a very simple reason for all this. The west only invests and help countries that provides economical benefits for have always considered these island nations as uncivilised people with no economic benefit. The west and Australia could have invested in developing these Island nations but they did not have the foresight on future importance of these places. These are SOVERIEGN nations who can decide to accept whoever comes forth to assist in developing their nation for whatever reason. China had the foresight as to the importance of these island nations.

[Aussie-Mocha]

Sad situation.
Can see potential civil war breaking out over this.
Switches between authoritarian and democratic governments is never peaceful 😢.
And Australia…. 🤷🏻‍♂️ what the hell ?
I’m glad there was some Aussie representatives at this event. Let’s hope they will be heard in our parliament and that we act upon it accordingly and appropriately.

[jorgemigueltavares]

I liked the part when Clark Kent walked onto the stage alongside Daniel Suidani.

[bluefood]

Why is the West condemning countries who switched from TW to CCP when they themselves made the switch decades ago? Maybe condemning is too strong a word. But you know what I mean don't you?

[willfafale]

Suidani was removed from being the premier because he had become corrupt & mismanaged the finance of the province.

[bhasty]

Keep it up. We can all see how this will go

[TubersAndPotatoes]

Lets hope democracy in the Solomon Islands isn't going to die with thunderous applause by their MPs in their parliament, with each of them tainted by dirty CCP money.

[adamq]

Thank you China Uncensored for bringing this to light!!! One of the best shows on youtube.

[charlesmckinley]

Thanks to China Uncensored for the link to here.

[jkaz]

So thankful for China Uncensored, and these brave men, for Daniel Suidani from the Solomons standing up for their rights. The world is watching and supports you in this fight! Communism is an evil from the pits of hell we will continue to fight,
My prayers are with you constantly - if He is for me, who can be against me!!!!

[WorldTravelerCooking]

My view is that if Ukraine has a moral right to join NATO, the Solomon Islands (or even Mexico) have a moral right to ask for a military alliance with China.

[soloeastman]

Thanks China for getting the US re-engaged with Solomon Islands.

[weegvsz]

Tell the U.S. to leave and eventually they will.
Beg China to leave and they'll act like they don't understand you.

[nekketsukai]

TAIWAN IS A FREE AND INDEPENDENT COUNTRY.

[ok-jj]

The U.S. cannot forsake these people 😢

[benjaminelienai]

Hats of to the mediator, your gentleness towards the solomon person was very respectful to see

[acttemp]

It's too late people. China has successfully positioned themselves behind the 1st Island chain and there is nothing you can do about it. USA and Australia have to take responsibility for that.