In a significant political development, Jeremiah Manele has been elected Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, marking a continuation of the nation's close ties with China. Manele secured victory on Thursday, prevailing over opponent Matthew Wale by a margin of 31-18 in the parliamentary vote.

The election of Manele, considered a pro-China candidate, underscores the Solomon Islands' commitment to strengthening its alliance with Beijing. In 2019, the nation severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan under Manele's tenure as foreign minister, opting to align itself with China instead.

The abrupt diplomatic shift surprised Western powers and neighboring countries alike, given the Solomon Islands' historical ties with the West since gaining independence in 1978. Chinese investment in the Solomon Islands has surged in recent years, particularly during the tenure of outgoing Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, and is expected to continue under Manele's leadership.

Analysts anticipate Manele to adopt a more diplomatic approach, maintaining close ties with traditional Western partners like Australia while fostering relations with China. Manele has signaled his intent to uphold various agreements with China, including those pertaining to defense and security, despite criticism from opposition candidates.

The opposition has raised concerns over the secrecy surrounding defense and security agreements with China, advocating for transparency and public disclosure of the terms. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese congratulated Manele on his election, expressing optimism about the continued friendship between Australia and the Solomon Islands.

With a population of approximately seven million spread across numerous isolated islands, the Solomon Islands remain a strategically significant player in the Pacific region. The general election held on April 17 saw Sogavare's party emerge victorious, albeit without securing the desired outcome. Consequently, Sogavare opted not to contest the prime ministerial position, endorsing Manele as the party's candidate instead.