Xi congratulates Solomon Islands on 47th anniversary of its independence

President Xi Jinping extended congratulations to Governor-General of the Solomon Islands David Tiva Kapu on Monday on the 47th anniversary of the Pacific island nation's independence.

In his congratulatory message, Xi said that China and the Solomon Islands have respected and supported each other since the establishment of their diplomatic relations in 2019.

Political mutual trust has continued to deepen and practical cooperation has yielded fruitful results, enhancing the well-being of the two peoples, he said.

Emphasizing the great importance he attaches to the development of China-Solomon Islands ties, Xi said he is ready to work with Kapu to continuously elevate the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership and jointly build a China-Solomon Islands community with a shared future in the new era.

On July 10, 2023, the two countries jointly announced the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership featuring mutual respect and common development for a new era.

Cai Weiming, Chinese ambassador to the Solomon Islands, said in an article published by Solomon Islands media in June that in the context of cooperation between China and Pacific island countries, "the China-Solomon Islands relationship has stood out as a shining example".

Highlighting thriving practical cooperation between the two sides, Cai noted that in the first four months of 2025, bilateral trade exceeded $200 million, of which the Solomon Islands' exports to China was worth over $120 million.

"This exciting momentum not only brings tangible economic benefits to Solomon Islanders, but also highlights the vast potential for further expansion," he said.

The mutual visa exemption agreement between the two countries, which took effect on Dec 28, has facilitated smoother travel and exchanges, Cai said.

"We have witnessed a strong increase of visitors from China to the Solomon Islands", with the first quarter's figures having doubled compared with the same period last year, he added.