On the afternoon of September 21, 2019, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks in Beijing with Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Jeremiah Manele of Solomon Islands and signed the Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between the People's Republic of China and Solomon Islands.

Wang Yi said, in the communiqué, Solomon Islands recognizes that there is but one China in the world, the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. The Government of the People's Republic of China appreciates this position of the Government of the Solomon Islands. The two sides decided to recognize each other and establish diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level, effective from the date of the signing of this communiqué.

Wang Yi pointed out, this is an important historical moment. We have jointly opened the door for the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and jointly embarked on a journey of common development. This will surely go down in the annals of history of the relations between China and Solomon Islands.

Wang Yi noted, Solomon Islands is an important country in the Pacific Island countries. The Chinese people and the people of Solomon Islands enjoy a long history of exchanges and profound friendship. The two countries witness rapid development of cooperation in various areas and closely intertwined interests. As a permanent member of the Security Council of the United Nations (UN) and the world's second largest economy, China has also become the largest trading partner of Solomon Islands. It is neither reasonable nor sustainable for the two countries in the absence of bilateral diplomatic relations.

Wang Yi pointed out, after a collective decision by Solomon Islands' Caucus Meeting, officially approved by the government cabinet and unanimously supported by all the people, the government of Solomon Islands made the strategic decision to establish diplomatic relations with China. It is an open and aboveboard decision that comes about naturally. History will surely prove that this decision fully conforms to the fundamental and long-term interests of Solomon Islands and its people as well as the historical trend and the aspiration of the people, and is a correct political decision.

Wang Yi pointed out, in a few days, China will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Over the past 70 years, China has witnessed fundamental changes and scored remarkable achievements in economic and social development. The establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Solomon Islands at this important node adds a special significance into bilateral relations and also indicates that bilateral relations will surely usher in a bright future.

Wang Yi stressed, equality and mutual respect are the foundation of state-to-state relations. China always advocates that all countries are equal regardless of their size, and opposes power politics. China respects Solomon Islands’ sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and supports the Solomon Islands' government and people in following a development path that suits its national conditions. China never imposes its own will on others, nor will China seek unilateral benefits in cooperation. China’s cooperation with Solomon Islands will be fair, open, mutually beneficial and inclusive. The establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries will open up broad prospects for bilateral relations and inject strong impetus into regional peace and development. Solomon Islands is welcome to join the big family of China-Pacific Island countries for cooperation. Let us join hands to strive to boost respective national development and the rejuvenation of developing countries as a whole.

Wang Yi noted, adhering to the One China policy is the resolution made by the UN General Assembly and the prevailing consensus of the international community. So far, 179 countries in the world have established diplomatic relations with China. The Kiribati government yesterday officially announced in a statement its decision to sever its "diplomatic ties" with Taiwan and resume diplomatic relations with China. We welcome such gesture.

China must be and will be reunified. In terms of both facts and law, Taiwan was, is and will be an inalienable part of China. This status will not change, and will not be possible to change. There are few countries which have not yet established diplomatic relations with China now. We believe more and more visionary people in these countries will stand out to send out a clear message that is in line with the trend of the times.

Jeremiah Manele said, the Solomon Islands' government, with the long-term interest of the country in mind, made up the political decision to sever the so-called “diplomatic ties” with Taiwan and established official diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. The decision conforms to international law, the resolution of the UN General Assembly, as well as the interests of the all the people of Solomon Islands, and will open up a chapter in the history of bilateral relations. The Solomon Islands side recognizes that the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. The Solomon Islands side will abide by the One China policy and always respect China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Jeremiah Manele expressed, the Solomon Islands' government and people congratulate the People’s Republic of China on the 70th anniversary of its founding and admire the huge achievements China has scored over the past 7 decades. The Solomon Islands side attaches great importance to China’s international statues and praises China’s critical role in safeguarding the common interests of the vast number of developing countries under such multilateral frameworks as the UN and the Group of 77 plus China. The Solomon Islands side and the Chinese side share the same positions and aspirations in areas including maintaining multilateralism, realizing 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, coping with climate change, and the Solomon Islands side is therefore willing to strengthen cooperation in these areas with the Chinese side. Solomon Islands is willing to join the great Belt and Road Initiative at an early date, and actively cooperate with the Chinese side in trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, mining medicine and health, so as to boost its own economic and social development, deliver benefits to the two peoples and open up a new chapter of bilateral relations.