Solomon’s Split on Taiwan, CCP Amplified as Key Opposition MP Visits Island

The pro-Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Solomon Islands government has harshly criticised a leading opposition MP for visiting Taiwan, which it no longer formerly recognises after pivoting towards Beijing in 2019. The decision has been the subject of ongoing dissent since, with the election in April this year being fought almost solely on the issue. When incumbent Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare unexpectedly lost, multiple parties scrambled to form a coalition to take power. Sogavare’s main opponent, Peter Kenilorea Jr., campaigned on restoring ties with Taiwan but ultimately lost to a former Minister in the Sogavare government and pro-CCP MP, Jeremiah Manele, who formed the Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT)....