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Australia-China Vehicle Donations Reflect Competition For Influence In Solomon Islands - Expert
Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist
The donation of vehicles from both China and Australia to Solomon Islands demonstrates the competition between the two countries, a regional geopolitical expert says.
Australia and China gifted the multi-million-dollar fleets ahead of Honiara hosting the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Meeting starting next Monday.
Australia is giving a fleet of 61 vehicles to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (PSIPF) to support security operations for the summit, with Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele confirming that 22 arrived last week.
China is giving a fleet of 40 SUVs to move delegates around the gathering and 27 were received last week.
Massey University academic Anna Powles said both countries, Australia and China, are seen as security partners to the island nation.
"This does reflect the degree of competition between Australia and China in the Solomon Islands itself - both countries have been competing within the security sector for a number of years now," Powles said.
She said Australia's donation is part of a broader package in support of Solomon Islands hosting the Pacific Islands Forum.
"[The Australian] package is very much focused on the security aspect and security provisions and reflects Australia's role as a primary or key security partner."
Powles said she did not think Solomon Islands was playing Australia and China off each other.
"[Solomon Islands] priority is to ensure a successful Pacific Islands Forum leaders.
"So less playing off, more leveraging, and making the most of the level of interest by partners in Solomon Islands right now."
The estimated cost of the fleet from Australia is about US$3.4m. The vehicles were bought from local companies and were outfitted locally.
The estimated value of China's fleet is US$1m.
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