US and Solomon Islands discuss deepening ties, return of Peace Corps

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale to deepen bilateral ties and signed a letter of intent to reintroduce the Peace Corps. The U.S. government program, which had over 700 volunteers in the Solomon Islands between 1971 and 2000, suspended its activities in 2000 due to political unrest. Its return after more than 25 years signifies a renewed engagement between the two nations.

During the meeting, Landau and Wale also discussed initiatives to promote investment in the Solomon Islands. The U.S. State Department announced it would provide $6 million in new funding to expand its program for clearing unexploded ordnance from World War Two. The islands were a significant battleground, notably the Battle of Guadalcanal, between the U.S. and Japan.

The discussions take place in a region of increasing strategic importance. The Solomon Islands, located northeast of Australia, is viewed by analysts as having close ties to China, the U.S.'s main strategic rival. This relationship was solidified by a security pact signed with Beijing in 2022, which raised concerns in the United States. The U.S. has been working to strengthen its own relationships in the strategically vital Pacific region.

This renewed U.S. focus comes after China's recent military test-firing of a missile into the South Pacific. Regional countries, including the Solomon Islands, criticized the action. Prime Minister Wale stated that while China is a "good friend," such actions are not appropriate from a friend. Wale also expressed a desire for stronger ties with Australia.

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China is a good friend of Solomon Islands, but this is not something a friend does.