Opposition Leader Matthew Wale has described the Prime Minister’s statement when arriving in China that ‘he is back home’ as outrageous.
A video posted on twitter has showed that upon arrival in Beijing, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare told Chinese government officials ‘I am back home’.
The video has triggered a lot of criticisms as to the real intention behind the Prime Minister’s statement.
The Opposition Leader said it was shocking to hear such statement from the Solomon Islands Prime Minister on foreign soil.
Hon Wale said just recently during the 45th Independence celebrations the Prime Minister pledged to the people of this country to pursue an independent foreign policy that does not take sides in geopolitical struggle between China & US.
However, Hon Wale said the statement by the Prime Minister on arrival in Beijing is a clear mockery to his recent independent speech.
“It was indeed surprising to hear this from the Prime Minister. For a Prime Minister to imply that China is his home is undiplomatic and shameful,” he said.
Hon Wale said the Prime Minister’s statement only shows where his true heart lies.
“It is embarrassing especially for our other diplomatic friends. Such statement paints a very negative picture that we have a Prime Minister that desires one diplomatic partner over the rest for only reasons known to himself,” Hon Wale said.
The Opposition Leader has called on the Prime Minister to clarify his ‘I am back home’ statement.
“The Prime Minister must clarify and explain to our people what he meant by his statement unless he has some genetic connections to China we are not aware of,” Hon Wale said.
Source: Press Release