HONIARA: The Solomon Islands has threatened to ban or deport foreign journalists for “disrespectful and degrading” coverage, fueling concerns about democratic backsliding in the Pacific nation as its alliance with China deepens.
In a lengthy statement lambasting recent media coverage, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s office on Wednesday accused Western journalists of trying to “engineer regime change”.
He also accused the media of “containing China and propagating anti-Chinese sentiments”, while raising the threat of deportation.
Targeting an ABC report on rising Chinese influence in the Solomon Islands, the statement accused the Australian public broadcaster of “racial profiling”, “racism and racial stereotyping”.
“The Constitution of the Solomon Islands protects the Solomon Islands against racial discrimination and Solomon Islands Government will ensure that racial practices are eliminated from the Solomon Islands.”
The statement went on to note that Kiribati – another Beijing ally – “has expelled journalists in the past”.
“ABC or other foreign media must understand that the way journalists are allowed to conduct themselves in other (countries) does not give them the right to operate in the same way in the Pacific.”
Sogavare deepened his ties with China’s autocratic government and proposed changing the constitution to delay the scheduled elections.
The four-time prime minister was twice ousted by votes of no confidence and faced street protests over his decision to transfer diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing.
After widespread rioting in the capital Honiara demanding his ouster late last year, Sogavare signed a secret security pact with Beijing which – according to a leaked draft – allows him to call in Chinese security forces to appease de new troubles.
This has raised concerns in Canberra and Washington about the prospect of establishing a Chinese military base or the potential for China to develop dual-use facilities.
Sogavare has repeatedly said he will not allow any military bases to be built in the Solomon Islands, a point reiterated in the statement.
But he said China would be allowed to build docks and airports, which could be useful for both civilian and military purposes.
“There will never be a Chinese military base in his country, such an agreement with Beijing would undermine regional security, make the Solomon Islands an enemy and make our country and our people potential targets for military strikes” , the statement said.
In a lengthy statement lambasting recent media coverage, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s office on Wednesday accused Western journalists of trying to “engineer regime change”.
He also accused the media of “containing China and propagating anti-Chinese sentiments”, while raising the threat of deportation.
Targeting an ABC report on rising Chinese influence in the Solomon Islands, the statement accused the Australian public broadcaster of “racial profiling”, “racism and racial stereotyping”.
“The Constitution of the Solomon Islands protects the Solomon Islands against racial discrimination and Solomon Islands Government will ensure that racial practices are eliminated from the Solomon Islands.”
The statement went on to note that Kiribati – another Beijing ally – “has expelled journalists in the past”.
“ABC or other foreign media must understand that the way journalists are allowed to conduct themselves in other (countries) does not give them the right to operate in the same way in the Pacific.”
Sogavare deepened his ties with China’s autocratic government and proposed changing the constitution to delay the scheduled elections.
The four-time prime minister was twice ousted by votes of no confidence and faced street protests over his decision to transfer diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing.
After widespread rioting in the capital Honiara demanding his ouster late last year, Sogavare signed a secret security pact with Beijing which – according to a leaked draft – allows him to call in Chinese security forces to appease de new troubles.
This has raised concerns in Canberra and Washington about the prospect of establishing a Chinese military base or the potential for China to develop dual-use facilities.
Sogavare has repeatedly said he will not allow any military bases to be built in the Solomon Islands, a point reiterated in the statement.
But he said China would be allowed to build docks and airports, which could be useful for both civilian and military purposes.
“There will never be a Chinese military base in his country, such an agreement with Beijing would undermine regional security, make the Solomon Islands an enemy and make our country and our people potential targets for military strikes” , the statement said.
