I spent significant time in the Solomons consulting a number of years ago to a number of private organisations around IT strategy. It is important to remember that they are a sovereign nation, and the people don’t like interference whether that is from China, Australia, US, Japan etc but it is like the Wild West in ways with expats, and many people seeking to manipulate the locals for their advantage. Brown paper bags were known about and politicians were known to be able to be influenced. It may have changed now.
the biggest issue was that they couldn’t create an agricultural industry due to unexplored bombs during world war war 2 which would explode if they ploughed so have always been dependent on foreign aid from Japan, US, Australia. They also have a problem with PNG residents crossing the border with boats.
when I went there there was a lot of racial tension between people of Chinese descent and locals. It got rather violent as the locals didn’t like the Chinese businesses, but Chinese businesses were growing rapidly.
i think many of the locals have always resented the Chinese influence, but also resent Australian influence. If we try to influence them too much they will seek other partners.
The locals are some of the most welcoming and friendly people I have ever met.
