The governing party in Solomon Islands has rejected reports that it plans to break diplomatic ties with Taiwan in favour of China if it returns to power at this year's election.
Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen shakes hands with Solomon Islands prime minister Manasseh Sogavare, 2017. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Democratic Alliance Party president John Usuramo told Solomon Business Magazine the full context of a statement about reviewing the country's diplomatic relations with Taiwan was misinterpreted by the media.
Mr Usuramo said the foreign policy statement actually explained that the party intended to pursue a 'look north' policy approach, including a review of diplomatic relations with Taiwan and other countries.
This was so Solomon Islands could pursue new opportunities with its traditional development partners not break them, he said.
The party also intends to review all diplomatic missions and postings to improve Solomon Islands' international trade relations.
However, Mr Usuramo did not deny that the 'look north' policy could involve Solomon Islands opening itself more to China.
The Democratic Alliance Party is one of 15 political parties registered to contest the 3 April election.