China's Influence Over Solomon Islands Election Scrutinized Before Vote

The Solomon Islands, a country comprised of approximately 700,000 people spread across 900 islands in the Pacific, are preparing for elections on April 17. This election is significant as it offers a referendum on the country's growing alignment with China. In recent years, Beijing has been investing heavily in the impoverished nation, providing development aid and support. In 2019, Solomon Islands severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan and signed a security pact with China. This shift towards China has raised concerns among some foreign analysts and the local population regarding the state of the economy and cost of living. The people of Solomon Islands are deeply worried about these issues as they head to the polls.