by Elizabeth Sade
Broadcast Journalist, Senior Reporter and Presenter of Solomon Islands Broadcasting Co-operation, Solomon Islands
Historically-Chinese traders and businesses visibility is already known in Solomon Islands. As I can remember they own shops and ran most business in Honiara and some provincial center till today.
Over the years they were also instrument in the education sector-having had one of the oldest school in fracture called the Chunghwa school which has continue providing much need education to both Chinese and locals.
As someone growing up in the late 1990’s- I know about the country and its people through the local interaction with naturalized citizen who called Solomon home and they are friendly as well.
There continuously and consistent business and trade charisma is a pride in itself, one that many islanders here see as tangible to them as entrepreneurs. (In Solomon Islands they are sometimes referred to as the wakus-because of the way they do business here-very bold that you can’t bend or break).
In the Solomon-the (Chinatown shopping area –located in the center of Honiara) is a well-known Chinese hub-where a lot of business activities took place by Honiara resident and closely islands and rural people who come to the capital.
There is also still a strong business link and connection to rural villages a service that is crucial to rural people accessing basic goods to their homes.
Shipping is also one important service they are happily engaged in.
They contribute immensely to the local economy as well as providing jobs for our local people. Something that speaks volume of the way Chinese community hold dear and one that portrait then as being entrepreneurial.
The other character that is unique with them – is the cultural way of life and practices that is persistent with them even outside of China.
One of the notable celebrations is the Chinese new year-which is continuously marked annually and one that is closer to their heart through decorations and outfits when this is marked.
I can see the consistent collaboration and co-corporation by all Chinese business owners and operators.
A closely knitted community- they are very organized in the way they do business and having an organization representing them and as link to government and people is smart move to establish themselves amongst the rest.
They are also out going and very active in sports and other community activities which is critical for eventual integration into which ever country they are in including Solomon’s.
I read and learn about China and it’s people in later years and having had the opportunity working in the Media space gave me the greater chance in understanding more of one of the world’s super power-leader in technology and the vibrant innovations by its people too.
The Belt and Road Initiative is a fascinating idea to me with the aim to develop new markets for Chinese firms, channels excess industrial capacity overseas, increase China’s access to resources and strengthens ties with partner countries.
Over the past 4 decades Solomon Islands had enjoyed it’s diplomatic relations with other diplomatic friends but the real twist occurred in 2019 when it server ties with Taiwan.
Despite mixed feelings the government is adamant on this drastic move sign and seal the deal- with China.
Things moved quickly-the Pacific games a good example of the shift when the breath taking national stadium built, a friendship hall erected and other infrastructure.
Intimately, it is the Chinese investment that paved the way for the development and the acceleration of the Pacific games project-known as a gesture of true friendship by locals here.
With such infrastructures, sport and economy will potentially increase and develop the Solomon Islands. It could influence the capital city to be a landmark for future regional and international events.
As a way of Reflection-I personally see the benefits of these infrastructure which will hopefully boost the local economy and other assistance by China is still on-ongoing on health as well as security.
I strongly believe that this relationship be deepen so both countries realize the potential and further develop into the future
As an island nation and termed as the Least developed country-it has taken big strides in the twist of diplomatic relations has now seen tangible developments since attaining independence 46 years ago.
I can only hope this is further strengthen as we now have the new government in place for the next 4 years and into the future.
I will see you soon China and looking forward for more collaborations in the years ahead.
*The views and opinions expressed in the articles are solely those of the individual authors and do not reflect the position of the Secretariat of the Belt and Road Journalist Network.