China’s fisheries overtures in the Pacific hinging on Solomon Islands deal

The Solomon Islands Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister Nestor Giro signed a memorandum of understanding with the head of state-owned China National Fisheries Corp. (CNFC) during a visit to Beijing on 16 May. 

The MoU will “allow CNFC to invest in [the] Solomon Islands in areas of mutual interest,” according to a Solomon Islands government statement. While the MoU dodges specifics, the aim from the Solomon Islands is to expand its fishery operations and pave the way toward innovative development projects in the industry.

Giro also met China Deputy Agriculture Minister Ma Youxiang during the visit, the latest in a string of recent visits between leaders of Pacific Island nations and Chinese economic officials. For Pacific Island nations, it is a means to securing economic security, while China works to increase its presence in the region. Securing access to natural resources like fisheries – as well as strategic ports – appears to be part of China’s strategy for the Pacific region.

The Chinese government has approached several Pacific Island nations with plans …

Photo courtesy of Office of the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands