The premier of the Solomon Islands’ most populous province has rejected a bribe from an aggressive China which is attempting to exert its influence in the region by offering aid in the face of the COVID-19 crisis.
Such aid then allows China to assert its influence which often comes with the condition of signing up to Beijing’s controversial Belt and Road Initiative.
Malaita Province Premier Daniel Suidani told Sky News Australia in an exclusive interview that he decided to not "take the bribe" from China as he is a representative of his people and acts in their interests.
"I am just a representative - I will always get back to my people and I will always do what me people like, in terms of leading the people as a premier of Malaita Province," he said.
The decision is at odds with his central government’s position to cash in on China’s ambitions in the South Pacific.
Premier Suidani’s rejection of China’s aid offer was subsequently held over him when he required urgent funds for brain surgery which he ended up having to undertake in Taiwan.