The year of 2021 is special to Solomon Islands people. While countries in the world are fighting together against COVID-19 pandemic, riots and looting overtook Honiara and razed Chinatown to the ground, as well as other business districts. When we enjoyed family reunions and friends gatherings during Christmas a few days ago, let us also extend sincere sympathies to those people affected by the riot. At this difficult time, China firmly stands with Solomon Islands. We condemn all forms of violence, and will provide all necessary support to Solomon Islands to restore law and order and rebuild damaged businesses.

As the largest developing country in the world, China has offered aid support to Pacific Island Countries including Solomon Islands in a wide range of areas under the framework of South-South cooperation for decades. China helped build more than 100 infrastructure projects, including international conference centers, ports, roads, schools and hospitals. Among these are the Airport Expressway and six-lane Independence Boulevard in Papua New Guinea, Sports Stadium in Vanuatu, Agriculture Technology Centre in Samoa, and Juncao(a kind of mushroom) technology in Fiji. China sponsored over 1300 young students, 4000 vocational and technical training opportunities to Pacific Islands Countries. China aid programs are well received by governments and peoples of Pacific Island Countries.

China’s foreign aid policy has five guiding principles.

Firstly, China aid is based on equality and respect. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you". This is a maxim by Confucius, a world famous philosopher of ancient China. In the past 100 years, China has suffered from poverty, wars, and disunity, bullied by western powers. Those are the reasons why China values peace, sovereignty and independence. When it comes to aid, China respects the need of recipient governments and people. All China-aid projects in Solomon Islands are implemented upon full consultations with the government of Solomon Islands.

Secondly, China aid is based on non-interference. Foreign aid is not a political tool. No country should use aid to interfere with domestic affairs of others. In Solomon Islands, China respects sovereignty of the national government when cooperating with provinces on aid projects. China never exports its values, never boasts itself as “lighthouse of democracy”, never hand out “blank cheques”. We do not make irresponsible comments and dishonor recipient countries. And we stand ready to make friends with all, enemy to none. All parties, all provinces and all walks of life in Solomon Islands can become our friends. China’s assistance to rural villages has already benefited all constituencies in nine provinces, including Guadalcanal, Malaita, Western, Isabel, Choiseul, Temuto, Renbell, Central, and Makira. That also covers ruling parties, opposition parties and independent MPs.     

Thirdly, China aid produces tangible outcomes. Aid is not a game of rhetoric. In the past two years since diplomatic relations established between China and Solomon Islands, people have seen and felt real benefits of China’s development projects. The PG2023 Stadium facilities are rising up. SINU Dormitories Project is progressing well. SinoPharm vaccines are welcomed by local people. Many SI friends are deeply impressed by its rapid progress when passing by the Stadiums construction site. Local workers are happy to learn new techniques and skills from Chinese colleagues. China aid goes to projects, not to a few consultants.

Fourthly, China aid is sustainable. China adheres to win-win principle. All china aid projects are based on independent assessment and feasibility studies, including environment protection and financial sustainability. “China debt trap” is misinformation spread by some western countries. According to a research by Sri Lanka Institute of National Security Studies, only 10% of unpaid debts by Sri Lanka originate from China, while loans from Japan, Asian Development Bank and World Bank stand at 12%, 14% and 11% respectively. As an old Chinese saying goes, “It is more important to show people how to fish than just giving them fish.” China aid is intended for independent and sustainable development of recipient countries.

Fifthly, China aid is open and inclusive. China-aid projects serve the people of Solomon Islands and never target any third party. Instead, China is willing to engage with other countries for trilateral cooperation. As President Xi Jinping said,“China will never make geopolitical calculations or engage in closed and exclusive circles.” China aid projects are open for the public to visit. There is no hidden agenda or geopolitical motive. It is time for some people to forego outdated cold war mentality and bring in fresh air of 21^st century.

China is an old friend and genuine partner of Solomon Islands. The diplomatic relationship between China and Solomon Islands serves the long-term and fundamental interests of the Solomon Islands people, and goes with the trend of times. China will steadfastly undertake aid projects and cooperation programs in Solomon Islands. The best way to help Pacific Island Countries is to achieve tangible outcomes for the people, not to build castles in the air, let alone point fingers at other development partners. We all live in a community of shared future.