New from me in @washingtonpost:

Taiwan was kicked out of Solomon Islands in 2019, but COVID-19 has provided Taipei an opportunity to reopen aid channels with the island of Malaita, a staunchly anti-China province, creating new tensions in the country. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/china-taiwan-dispute-and-coronavirus-aid-fuel-hostilities-in-solomon-islands/2020/07/29/500a7fd8-cccb-11ea-99b0-8426e26d203b_story.html

This story doesn’t just show how Taiwan and China compete in our region. More interestingly, it shows how sophisticated Pacific actors leverage - even manipulate - the interests of bigger countries to achieve internal political and economic aspirations.

Thanks to @CainTess, Clive Moore, @GordonPeake, @Raki_Ap1 and others for their insights on this piece ! #bluepacific #solomonislands

Malaitan Premier Daniel Suidani confirms to me his intentions to hold an independence referendum as soon as this month.

My story for the @GuardianAus https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/02/solomon-islands-province-announces-independence-vote-amid-china-tensions

Suidani further explaining his plans today - confirming Malaita referendum as a “protective measure” against the Sogavare Gov which he claims is “serving a different country’s interests”.

Premier Daniel Suidani reiterating his decision to pursue a Malaitan independence poll in a new video.

“This is a sad day for Solomon Islanders” he says, in front of a Taiwanese flag and sign that reads “love and care from Taiwan - a true friend”.

#solomonislands #bluepacific

#SolomonIslands Government has issued a statement on Malaita's proposed referendum:

"Holding of a referendum will be an illegal act", it says.

It "demeans the integrity of the Office of the Premier and will result in consequences that may not be favourable to any party.”

A large crowd gathered again in Auki this morning to hear Suidani speak

He said "Sogavare is taking actions to please China".

"We are trying times but I can assure you we will be set free".

Volatile tit-for-tat now unfolding in Solomon Islands. CC @CainTess @stephendziedzic