by Martin Haffner Associate Editor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The head of the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) believes that Pacific Island countries have the right to explore relationships with non-traditional partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr Transform Aqorau told delegates attending the two-day Pacific Islands Political Studies Association Conference in Wellington last week that for decades, the region has felt traditional development partners have not delivered enough tangible benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“To be then held to ransom by the geo-strategic interest of a narrow and smaller grouping of countries is largely unfair on us as we seek to explore newer relationships and partnerships,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Why? Because the development needs of our people cannot always be met by our traditional donors.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr Transform Aqorau said Pacific Island governments have matured and have more choices to make regarding who they have partnerships with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Addressing concerns about aid being used as a debt trap, the SINU vice-chancellor said that aid from all countries could be viewed as a debt trap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tonga, Vanuatu, and Samoa are spending some of the\u00a0biggest sums in the world\u00a0to repay debts to China as a proportion of its GDP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr Aqorau said for the Solomon Islands, most of the money from China has come from grants, not loans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I think every aid to a country is potentially a debt trap because every aid that you get undermines your self reliance and undermines your independence.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said it was more important for nations to be self-reliant than to rely on aid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beijing’s support has benefited Solomon Islands, he added, noting that a large stadium and a new hospital came from China, not from traditional partners of the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We now have a brand new building and facility that have been built by the Chinese,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“So that’s one thing that I do feel sincerely – that our leaders not just in Solomon Islands but across the Pacific, are looking for ways in which their people can be supported.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr Aqorau said that the hospital has the facilities to treat complex health issues, such as heart diseases and cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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