MYSTERIOUS: 2 - What They Never Told You

China ‘gifts’ and cost concerns: Pacific Games stir controversy in Solomon Islands

The host nation has attracted criticism over the price tag of November’s event, while an expert labels Chinese funding ‘shrewd diplomacy’

The Guardian - AU · Sep 5, 2023

Solomon Islands newspaper pledged to promote ‘truth about China’s generosity’ in return for funding

The Solomon Star denies accusations of ‘giving away’ its independence by accepting thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment

The Guardian - AU · Aug 2, 2023

China to ‘fill the gap’ in Solomon Islands budget as PM blasts ‘unneighbourly’ Australia and US

Manasseh Sogavare accuses Australia of pulling budget support amid continuing fallout from Honiara’s policing pact with Beijing

The Guardian - AU · Jul 17, 2023

Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa warns China not the only outside power looking to increase their presence in Pacific

During a visit to Canberra, Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa warns that China is not the only major power that may want to secure further military access to the Pacific "under the guise of protecting assets".

ABC News · Mar 22, 2023

Chinese state company wins contract to redevelop Solomon Islands port, prompting cautious response

Samoa’s prime minister says port ‘might morph into something else’ and suggests Pacific countries may have to monitor situation

The Guardian - AU · Mar 22, 2023

Chinese company wins tender to redevelop Solomon Islands port - official

The Solomon Islands has awarded a Chinese state company a multi-million dollar contract to upgrade an international port in Honiara in a project funded by the Asian Development Bank, an official from the island nation said on Wednesday.

Reuters · Mar 22, 2023

China-sceptic leader of Solomon Islands largest province removed

Daniel Suidani was known for his support of Taiwan, even after Honiara switched diplomatic allegiance to Beijing.

Al Jazeera · Feb 7, 2023

Informal imports of a highly addictive psychostimulant gives seasonal workers in Australia a taste of home

Chewed across South-East Asia and the Pacific, a market for the intoxicating betel nut has opened up in Australia, giving some Solomon Islander seasonal workers a taste of home.

ABC News · Jan 19, 2023

Solomon Islands shaken by huge earthquake, tsunami alert eased

The first 7.0 quake was followed by a second large tremor, cutting power in the capital and disrupting radio broadcasts.

Al Jazeera · Nov 22, 2022

China to gift water cannon trucks, vehicles to Solomon Islands police days after Australian donation

At a special ceremony in Honiara, the Chinese ambassador will give two water cannon trucks and a number of vehicles to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force as competition between Australia and China intensifies.

ABC News · Nov 3, 2022