Key facts
- The Solomon Islands and the U.S. have discussed deepening ties.
- The Peace Corps will return to the Solomon Islands after a 25-year absence.
- The U.S. will provide $6 million to clear unexploded World War Two ordnance.
- The Solomon Islands is set to sign a deal with the U.S. Coast Guard for maritime patrols.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale to discuss deepening bilateral ties and signed a letter of intent for the Peace Corps to return to the islands after more than 25 years. The meeting occurred as the U.S. seeks to bolster its influence in the strategically important Pacific region, where China has been expanding its security presence, including a pact signed with the Solomon Islands in 2022.
During the discussions, Landau announced new U.S. funding of $6 million to expand programs for removing unexploded World War Two ordnance from the islands. The Peace Corps, which had over 700 volunteers in the Solomon Islands between 1971 and 2000, suspended its activities due to political unrest. The Solomon Islands is also set to sign a separate deal with the U.S. Coast Guard for maritime patrols, a move seen as a counterbalance to China's growing influence.
This engagement follows a recent meeting between China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Solomon Islands counterpart, occurring shortly after China test-fired a missile in the South Pacific. Prime Minister Wale had previously criticized the missile test, stating that while China is a friend, such actions are not those of a friend, and he vowed stronger ties with Australia.