Solomon Islands props up budget with China’s US$20 million injection

China has also agreed to fund extensions at Solomon Islands’ only international airport, Manele said, leading work on a crucial piece of national infrastructure.

China has responded by building a major new stadium in the capital Honiara, state-of-the-art health facilities, mobile phone towers, roads and more.

“Since the establishment of bilateral partnership with China five years ago, the relationship has grown from strength to strength with China assisting in transformative projects,” said a statement issued by Manele’s office on Tuesday.

Manele’s predecessor Manasseh Sogavare was full-throated in his backing of Beijing, orchestrating the rapid expansion of Chinese interests across the tropical archipelago.

While Manele has signalled he is willing to re-engage with Canberra and Washington, he has also voiced a desire to deepen ties with China.