Solomon Islands’ PM survives attempt to oust government

Matthew Wale’s government has survived a no-confidence challenge that threatened to derail the Solomon Islands’ shift away from China and toward the United States and Australia.

Parliament adjourned indefinitely on Monday after Manasseh Maelanga, who initiated the motion and was later dismissed as home affairs minister, withdrew it. More lawmakers had crossed over to Wale’s coalition, leaving the challenge without enough support. The adjournment prevents another immediate attempt to bring down the government.

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We hope to come back before Christmas to pass the budget.

The political drama unfolded as US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau arrived in the Solomon Islands. He pledged the return of the Peace Corps to the country, where US Pacific forces fought a pivotal battle during World War II. Wale is reviewing a security pact signed with China in 2022 and has steered the country closer to Washington and Canberra since taking office in May.

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The pace of change is fast.

His government is negotiating a new treaty with Australia, has agreed to allow US Coast Guard patrols and is discussing US investment in a port development previously eyed by China. Australia has criticised the presence of Chinese police in the Solomon Islands, an arrangement agreed by former leader Manasseh Sogavare, and is helping train more Pacific police.

Diplomats at the Pacific Islands Forum told AFP that the government’s survival, three months after Wale began reducing reliance on China, would have regional security consequences. Wale told parliament, “We hope to come back before Christmas to pass the budget.” He said the pause would provide time to consider major policy changes, including mining reform and free education, adding, “The pace of change is fast.”

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I imagine that the Australian government will be very relieved.