Remarks of H.E. Ambassador Li Ming on the Arrival of Police Anti-Riot Gears

(December 29th, 2021, Henderson Airport, Honiara)

The Honorable Acting Minister Dickson Mua,

PS Ms Karen Galokale,

PS Mr Collin Beck,

Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau,

Deputy Commissioners,

Representatives of Chinese community,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

A few minutes ago, we witnessed the arrival of the first batch of police anti-riot gears provided by the government of People's Republic of China.  

I would like to express my sincere thanks to all distinguished friends and colleagues attending the ceremony today at the Henderson airport. Thank you for your hard work to make it happen. The first batch of equipment includes helmets, shields, body armors and service raincoats, all are urgently needed by RSIPF. As an old Chinese saying goes,“send charcoal in snowy weather”. At this difficult time, I believe these gears will play a critical role to help strengthen the capacity-building of RSIPF and maintain stability of Solomon Islands.

The lawless riot in Honiara last month is a tragic event in the history of Solomon Islands. The riot has left China Town and other facilities in Honiara in ruins, severely damaged public and private properties and created social panic. Hundreds of Chinese families including elders, kids and women were driven homeless. China expressed its deep sympathy to the government and people of Solomon Islands, and strongly condemned the violence. China stands firmly with Solomon Islands, and supports all efforts by Solomon Islands to restore order and stability. China firmly maintains the bilateral relations and the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese nationals in Solomon Islands.

The police cooperation between China and Solomon Islands is most necessary and urgent. It will help improve the capacity of RSIPF to respond to emergencies, which serves the interests of Solomon Islands people.

The police cooperation between China and Solomon Islands is conducive to the broad bilateral relations of our two countries, and to the safety of Chinese nationals in Solomon Islands, which serves the common interests of our two peoples. And it is strictly based on principles of equality, respect and non-interference.

The police cooperation between China and Solomon Islands is beneficial to peace, stability and development in the region, which serves the common interests of regional development partners.

The police anti-riot gears provided by China will be handed over to Solomon Islands government and RSIPF, and the Chinese police liaison team will only provide necessary guidance and training.

China is the largest developing country, the second biggest economy in the world, and also the largest trade partner of Solomon Islands. The relations between China and Solomon Islands is comprehensive and covers wide areas of cooperation. Not only support to police cooperation, China will also provide additional SinoPharm vaccines to help contain the risks posed by new cases recently. In terms of safety and security, we are a community of shared future.

I sincerely wish distinguished friends and colleagues enjoy a very happy Christmas and prosperous new year in 2022.