BY NED GAGAHE
The People’s Republic of China (PRC) has delivered a fleet of 27 brand-new SUVs to support the upcoming 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM) on September, further bolstering Solomon Islands’ logistics readiness for one of the region’s most high-profile events.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele officially received the donation at the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) Transport Pool in Honiara yesterday, Monday, August 25, 2025 describing the handover as another milestone in the country’s growing relationship with China.
“These vehicles will ensure safe, reliable, and comfortable transport for all Pacific Forum Leaders and delegates attending the meeting,” PM Manele said.
The donation, valued at SBD$8.5 million (USD$1 million), includes 27 Tank 500HEV, right-hand-drive, 7-seater, 4WD SUVs.
In addition to this, the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) has procured 13 additional units from the same Chinese manufacturer, Great Wall Motors, bringing the total Forum fleet to 40 vehicles under the joint China-SIG initiative.
The vehicles will be used to transport Forum Leaders, the Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, and other VVIPs during the September 8–12 summit.
PM Manele confirmed the vehicles will later be distributed among provinces, ministries, and the government transport pool, ensuring their continued use well beyond the Forum.
“This donation is more than a one-time gesture, it is a legacy asset for Solomon Islands,” the Prime Minister said.
China’s Ambassador to Solomon Islands, Cai Weiming, expressed Beijing’s strong commitment to the Forum’s success and praised the cooperation that made the timely delivery possible.
“The handover today stands as China’s unwavering commitment and carries China’s best wishes for the successful hosting of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara,” Ambassador Weiming said.
PM Manele also acknowledged the tireless work behind the scenes by the Ministry of Finance, Customs, the Solomon Islands Embassy in Beijing, and MID in coordinating the shipment and preparation of the vehicles.
He extended special thanks to South Pacific Oil Limited (SPOL) for stepping in as the official fuel sponsor for the government fleet.
This latest Chinese donation comes just hours after Australia handed over the first 31 of 61 police vehicles for Forum security, further highlighting the international support converging in Solomon Islands for the major regional event.
“With the support of China, our own government, and all partners involved, I am confident that Solomon Islands will deliver secure, efficient, and well-coordinated logistics for the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting,” PM Manele concluded.
The donations from China and Australia signal a strengthening of Solomon Islands’ capacity to host major diplomatic events, placing Honiara at the centre of Pacific regional dialogue next month.
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