Lawmakers in the Solomon Islands have picked a new prime minister, in an election that was closely watched by the Pacific’s major powers. Jeremiah Manele is a former foreign minister who has pledged to continue following policies of ever-closer ties with China.
The Solomon Islands occupy a strategic position northeast of Australia, which is of interest to China and its goal of expanding its influence in the Pacific.
The new prime minister says he will bring more infrastructure to the islands. Australia has traditionally been the archipelago’s biggest donor, but China is catching up and has constructed roads, a sports stadium and a telecommunications network.
00:00 Pro-China Jeremiah Manele elected as new PM
00:51 Parker Novak, Indo-Pacific analyst
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