China accused of using aid to influence Solomons’

THE head of Transparency Solomon Islands and the leader of the Independent Group in Parliament claim China is purposefully manipulating Solomon Islands’ political order using aid money - but the prime minister disagrees.

Peter Kenilorea Jr, leader of the Independent Group, told RNZ PaciƝc China aid through the Rural Sustainable Development Program (RSDP) was being used to “sway people to join government from the opposition” so members could access the money.

Mr Kenilorea said the RSDP was subject to abuse because the Ministry of Rural Development - which was part of the executive government - implemented the projects on China’s behalf.

“It’s unfair on constituencies because it seems like it’s discretionary on the ministry which is part of the executive (government),” he said.

“They’re looking to sway people to join government before they can access that funding.

“I know that some of my colleagues who are in the Opposition haven’t even gotten a cent from that new funding from the ministry.”

Mr Kenilorea said he believed both China and the government were responsible for the political manipulation.

“It’s the same government pretty much, which is the same government that went into diplomatic relations with China; so, I think in terms of China’s foothold they would like those who are like-minded to still be in government.”

Transparency Solomon Islands chief executive officer Ruth Liloqula agreed with Mr Kenilorea that the situation was driving Members of Parliament to abandon the political party banner or independent status, which they campaigned under in the April election, to join the pro-China government.

Ms Liloqula said the application process for the RSDP was murky but it involved MPs applying through the Chinese Embassy.

“Beijing makes the decision about which projects could be funded and most of those belong to Members of Parliament of the executive government.”

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele rubbished Mr Kenilorea’s claim.

“Anywhere in the world after the elections you tend to Ɲnd Members of Parliament who would like to join, who would like to be in the government side, because once they are in the government side then they will be in a position to inƞuence policy and the budget,” he told RNZ.

“The support by China to the Ministry of Rural Development - it is for all, the whole 50 constituencies and there is a process in place for the all 50 constituencies to apply and access that funding, so it’s not true that the government is using that to pull members.”

In a letter seen by RNZ PaciƝc on 20 April 2023, Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Rural Development put a call out for MPs to apply for the RSDP.

The selection criteria said: “Submission does not automatically qualify the constituency for funding” and the selection “shall be based on the merit of proposals”.

Mr Kenilorea said the Chinese Embassy said it would monitor the implementation of his project if he was successful in his application.