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The Solomon Islands is one of the countries outlined in a new “Defund China’s Allies Act” being put before the US Congress.
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Under the act introduced to the house on 6 April, Congress would prohibit the availability of foreign assistance to certain countries that do not recognise the sovereignty of Taiwan, and for other purposes.
In addition, no federal funds would be made available in the form of foreign assistance including humanitarian assistance or security assistance, and restrictions could be imposed on nations who choose to offer full political support to the People’s Republic of China.
Countries listed include the Solomon Islands, Honduras, Nicaragua, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Cuba, Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Panama, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Bolivia, Uruguay, Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela, and Kiribati.
Diplomatic relations were terminated between Taiwan and the Solomon Islands in 2019 when the government voted to change its allegiances and recognise China.
The act was introduced to the house by Congress members Andy Ogles, Tom Tiffany, Lauren Boebert, Josh Brecheen, Mary Miller of Illinoi, and Barry Moore of Alabama.
US Congressman Andy Ogles, who introduced the Defund China’s Allies Act, said the Chinese Communist Party has infiltrated and established foreign relationships with 21 countries that currently benefit from American aid.
“My bill would prohibit the further distribution of any foreign assistance to the increasing number of Latin American and Caribbean nations pledging their allegiance to Beijing,” he said.
“The CCP is undermining the good faith relationships the United States has with these nations.
“We cannot use and abuse taxpayer dollars, nearly $800 million in fiscal year 2021, to indirectly fund continued political support for the genocidal Chinese Communist Party.
“American leadership must act to protect the national security of our nation.”
The act stated that the People’s Republic of China’s global political influence campaign has contributed to numerous countries in Central America and the Caribbean switching political allegiances from Taiwan. This switching of political allegiances represents a more tangible threat to the United States’ national security interests and must be confronted.
It alleges good-faith assumptions about the Chinese Communist Party have proven false and the United States must support full diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
It also instructs that not later than 30 days after the enactment of this act, the US President should establish full diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
Comment has been sought from the Solomon Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade.
Australia has a development partnership with the Solomon Islands, with a 2022–23 bilateral allocation of more than $103.1 million.
