INFO:

The Solomon Islands government describes its security agreement with China as diversifying its partnerships. Western countries see it as a threat to their hegemony in Oceania and a potential cause of insecurity. While many Solomon Islanders are concerned about the agreement, they are also aware that their country faces a wide range of challenges. In this webinar tok stori, a panel of prominent Solomon Islanders will share their perspectives on the China–Solomon Islands security agreement and other issues. HON. DANNY PHILIP is a veteran Solomon Islands politician and former prime minister and minister of foreign affairs. He is the member of Parliament for South New Georgia- Rendova-Tetepare HON. PETER KENILOREA JR. is the member of Parliament for East Are Are and chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Relations. DOROTHY WICKHAM is a journalist with a deep understanding of Solomon Islands and Pacific Islands politics and cultures and a trusted voice in the region. DR. TRANSFORM AQORAU is a professor at the Solomon Islands National University, the CEO of iTuna Intel, and legal adviser to the Marshall Islands (fisheries). He is the former CEO of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement, deputy director of the Forum Fisheries Agency, and legal counsel for the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR TARCISIUS KABUTAULAKA is a political scientist with a PhD from the Australian National University and undergraduate and MA degrees from the University of the South Pacific (USP).