Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale seeks US, Japan investment after China pivot

Prime Minister Matthew Wale of the Solomon Islands concluded a series of high‑level meetings in Washington, D.C., meeting officials from the U.S. Development Finance Corporation, the Millennium Challenge Corporation and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He discussed the Bina Harbour Project and broader opportunities in energy and tourism, and took part in a private‑sector roundtable with firms such as Google, Caterpillar, Walmart, Boeing, United Airlines and Organon, signalling interest in future partnerships.

Later in Tokyo, Wale met Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, reaffirming the traditional ties between the two nations. The Japanese side highlighted a development assistance loan of up to 3 billion yen (about $18.4 million) and pledged continued support for the Solomon Islands’ fiscal and economic resilience. The talks came as the Solomon Islands reviews its 2022 security pact with China, a move that has raised regional concerns about Beijing’s influence in the South Pacific.