On May 20, 2026, Chinese Ambassador to Solomon Islands H.E. Cai Weiming met with Hon. Rick Houenipwela, the new Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade(MFAET) of the Solomon Islands.

Ambassador Cai congratulated Hon. Rick Houenipwela on his assuming the office of the Minister of MFAET of the Solomon Islands, and stressed that China and Solomon Islands relations have continued deepen and stayed at the forefront of China's relations with Pacific Island countries since establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, China is willing to work with Solomon Islands’ new government to enhance high-level exchange, expand practical cooperation and promote people-to-people exchange, so as to bring bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership to a new height.

Hon. Houenipwela thanked China for its help and support  during the past few years, highlighted the broad consensus among Solomon Islands on the friendship with China, and stressed that Solomon Islands’ new government will continue to adhere to the one-China principle, and work closely with China to promote the cooperation in all sectors, so as to bring more tangible benefit for the people of both countries.