Japan Funds Solomon Islands Elections to Counter China — SkimNews
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- Japan will provide up to 430 million yen (S$3.5 million) in grants to support fair elections in the Solomon Islands, working with the UNDP and the local election management board ahead of unified elections scheduled for 2028.
- Japan's Foreign Ministry said strengthening ties with the Solomon Islands contributes to realizing a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" based on the rule of law.
- Matthew Wale, Solomon Islands' Prime Minister who took office in May, criticized the 2022 comprehensive security pact with China and announced a review of the agreement during his June visit to Australia.
- The UNDP said the contribution expands support already extended by Australia, Britain, and the European Union to the Pacific country.
- Japan and like-minded Indo-Pacific countries are seizing on Wale's departure from a pro-China stance to counter Beijing's influence over the strategically important island nation.
Why it matters: Japan is converting its "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" rhetoric into concrete funding at the moment Solomon Islands' new government is reviewing its 2022 security pact with Beijing. With Australia, the UK, and the EU already engaged and the 2028 elections approaching, Tokyo is joining a coordinated push to anchor Honiara in a Western-aligned bloc during a window when China's regional foothold could contract.
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