Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
December 6, 2021
Regarding Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s statement during the December 6 no-confidence vote debate that recent unrest in the capital Honiara was orchestrated by “Taiwan’s agents,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) responds as follows:
MOFA has been closely monitoring the no-confidence vote regarding Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and has noted his accusation that “Taiwan’s agents” were behind mass unrest in the capital. MOFA strongly denounces Prime Minister Sogavare’s false accusation. The Prime Minister has wrongfully blamed the dissatisfaction of his people—due to his own failure to govern effectively—on Taiwan’s government and pro-democracy politicians friendly toward Taiwan. MOFA expresses its regret and condemns Prime Minister Sogavare’s irresponsible statements and actions.
MOFA reiterates its hope that the people of Solomon Islands express their views and support for freedom and democracy in a peaceful and rational manner. The government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) urges the central government of Solomon Islands to listen to the people and refrain from trying to follow China’s authoritarian model of governance, which goes against the long-standing tradition of democracy and unity in the Pacific region.