Malaita

October 13, 2024 | Cleo Paskal |

Daniel Suidani’s arrest in the Solomons proves CCP is scared

At the start of this month, both Suidani and Talifilu were arrested on three counts of unlawful assembly related to the failed no confidence vote of 2021.

April 1, 2023 | Cleo Paskal |

Former Malaita Premier (and Noted China Critic) Gets Bipartisan Support for US Visa

Daniel Suidani became a symbol of resistance to China’s influence in Solomon Islands – until he was ousted from his post.

February 26, 2023 | Cleo Paskal |

Win for China in its plan to turn Pacific Islands into Hong Kong

Leaders who are standing up to China are deeply shaken by what happened to Suidani and the resounding quiet from the international community that claims to back democracy. Koror, Palau: If you thought...

February 11, 2023 | Cleo Paskal |

No one is helping us in our fight against PRC: Daniel Suidani

I believe that there are people in other countries who believe in democracy—who would stand with us, says Malaita’s ousted Premier Daniel Suidani.

February 5, 2023 | Cleo Paskal |

The U.S. is blocked from ports in PRC-Influenced Solomons, Vanuatu

PRC-linked actors attempting to politically take out Premier Daniel Suidani of Malaita.

August 13, 2022 | Cleo Paskal |

Right to vote being snatched from Solomon Islanders by PRC-backed PM

Sogavare has introduced a Bill to postpone elections. Reaction on the ground is seething. Likely Sogavare and his backers in Beijing don’t mind violence so they can activate the China security deal.

June 1, 2022 | Anthony Bergin, Cleo Paskal

Enlist Quad, France to take China on in the South Pacific

In the recent statement from the Quad meeting in Tokyo, a grouping consisting of Australia, India, Japan, and the US, the Pacific Islands feature prominently. Each of the Quad members have their own unique...

May 28, 2022 | Cleo Paskal |

China launches empire building exercise in Pacific theatre

President Panuelo: ‘Chinese control over our security space, aside from impacts on our sovereignty, increases the chances of China getting into conflict with Australia, Japan, US and New Zealand, on the day when Beijing decides to invade Taiwan

May 21, 2022 | Cleo Paskal |

Is Chinese pressure making Solomon Islands stall Indian envoy’s visit?

Alexandria, VA: India makes China nervous in ways none of the other Quad countries do. So it’s not surprising that, according to sources, the Solomon Islands government is stalling the entry of the Indian...

April 29, 2022 | Cleo Paskal |

China’s Agreement with Solomon Islands & Implications for Security in the Pacific

An Interview with Cleo Paskal

April 16, 2022 | Cleo Paskal |

White House finally awakens to PRC capture of Solomon Islands

Free and fair election could result in a new government that not only abrogates the security deal but switches back to Taiwan. That would be a serious loss of face for Xi Jinping, giving ammunition to his domestic enemies, and could lead to a politically weakened Sogavare being more exposed to prosecution.

April 2, 2022 | Cleo Paskal |

China moves frontline to Solomons, locals fight back

Alexandria, VA: This is Beijing’s “Oh yeah? So what are you gonna do about it?” moment. With the confirmation of a security agreement between China and Solomon Islands—a country approximately 1200...

January 1, 2022 | Cleo Paskal |

China enters new role as Pacific Islands policeman

China is winning, especially in the smaller countries. But as it refines its steps, and faces few counters, it will gain confidence and allies and move to bigger targets.

November 29, 2021 | Cleo Paskal |

Foreign Intervention Complicates Solomon Islands Unrest

The problem was sparked by perceived CCP interference. It can’t be solved by Australia taking a similarly heavy hand.

November 27, 2021 | Cleo Paskal |

Solomon Islanders need freedom from PRC, not Australian troops

What we have is an expeditionary force seemingly acting at the behest of a despised local administration backed by a callous and rapacious foreign power. Beijing must be sitting back, munching on popcorn and enjoying the show.

November 6, 2021 | Cleo Paskal |

Solomon Islanders beat back Beijing, for now

But the CCP won’t stop. The next time ‘people power’ may not be enough to fight off Beijing. And once the PRC has fully eaten the Solomons, it will use it as a jumping off point for its next meal.

October 26, 2021 | Cleo Paskal |

CCP aggression could lead to violence in Solomon Islands: Hon. P. Kenilorea

On Wednesday, 27 October, a Vote of No Confidence is likely to be tabled in the Malaita provincial assembly against Premier Suidani by those working with the central government. The situation is very tense.

September 5, 2021 | Cleo Paskal |

How China buys foreign politicians: A case study

Alexandria, VA., US: Well, that didn’t take long. Almost exactly two years ago, in September 2019, the Solomon Islands, a country of around 650,000 people in the South Western Pacific, switched recognition...