Today Les, Morgan, Bishop, and Andy discussed the recent elections in the Solomon Islands in which former Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele was elected as Prime Minister. The now-Prime Minister Manele is widely expected to continue the Solomon Islands’ shift toward closer ties with China which has included the derecognition of Taiwan and increasing security and policing ties. 

Why do the Solomon Islands matter geopolitically?  How has the Biden administration handled the increasing influence of China in the Indo-Pacific?  How can the United States increase its influence with the Pacific Small Island States?

Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.

Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!

https://apnews.com/article/solomon-islands-prime-minister-jeremiah-manale-fcf911d376d56f9ee8d235fb885c9bc6 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/05/01/solomon-islands-election-china/ 

https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/what-to-expect-from-the-solomon-islands-new-prime-minister-on-china-the-west-and-more/ 

Follow our experts on Twitter: 

@morganlroach

@AndyKeiser

@BishopGarrison

@lestermunson

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