By Loretta B Manele

The Chinese people believe in the phrase “leaving no one behind” and this is what the Chinese government has been doing.

China’s ambassador to Solomon Islands, Cai Weiming expressed the sentiment at the handing over of donated items to Rennell and Bellona constituency at the embassy yesterday.

He stressed that by putting its people first, China has lifted 800 million people out of poverty.

“By putting our peoples first, China is ready to work with Solomon Islands to improve the lives of Solomon Islands people from every province including Renbel”

Weiming emphasized this by quoting what Chinese president, Xi Jinping said at the G20 summit this week of which he said, “If China can make it, other developing countries can make it too”

The ambassador said they will continue to provide assistance within their capacity to help Solomon Islands, deepen cooperation at all levels and create a better future for our peoples.

He added that provincial cooperation is an important part of China-Solomon Islands relations and Renbel is a beautiful province with abundant resources.

“Our visa exemption deal which will soon take effect will attract more Chinese tourists to visit your beautiful province. Two days ago, the Chinese government scholarship for 2025 has opened to the public.

We welcome more students from Renbel to apply for the scholarship to study in China and give back to their motherland”

Weiming hopes that the donated items which are; 2 sewing machines, 40 radios, 40 solar batteries, 260 solar lights, 120 T-shirts and 120 short pants will help improve the living and working conditions of the people of Rennell/Bellona constituency.

“I wish to thank Hon Tuhaika for his assistance in connecting us with your communities”

It shows how much you value the improvement of your people’s lives and we are happy to be part of it”

Member of parliament for Rennell Bellona constituency, John Tuhaika Jr also shared a few remarks at the occasion.

“Solomon Islands values the friendship we have established and we continue to see the commitment of the Chinese government to the people of Solomon Islands distant communities like ourselves”

Tuhaika said they are able to meet the basic needs of some of their communities but are still very far behind in terms of development.

He added that this is why they are working very hard with our partners, China being one very important partner in addressing their basic needs.

Tuhaika said it is welcoming to note that the visa free travel will be implemented very soon and they are very keen and will ensure that they prepare to welcome visitors from China.

He also mentioned that China being able to lift almost 800 people out of poverty by itself should be a message for our communities and people.

“I just came back from China almost a month ago. It was a very eye-opening experience. China has been able to lift almost 800 people out of poverty by themselves.

That is the message we should be telling our own communities and our people that if China can do that, we can do it as well with commitment and setting our priorities correct”

He also took the opportunity to thank and appreciate the donation from the Chinese ambassador.

“I thank you for this generous gift on behalf of the people of Renell/Bellona and on behalf of the Solomon Islands government”