An opinion-piece in the Solomon Star promotes Taipei. The opinion-piece denies media reports that the majority of Members in the DCGA Government support a switch to China, warns that a switch to China would not be in the best interest of Taipei’s relationship with Solomon Islands, and suggests alternative facts to the China situation. (Source: Solomon Star, 24 May 2019)
The pro-Taipei article follows a number of similar pro-Taipei articles that have also been published in the local press and repeats the usual chorus of talking points – of Taipei’s long friendship and support in their development-aid programs, that infrastructure projects promised by China could be a debt trap that could force Solomon Islands to surrender its sovereignty to China, and that the DCGA Government still supports Taipei. The ongoing publication of pro-Taipei articles from apparently ordinary citizens suggests that the press may have an important role in influencing public perception over the China situation. The uncertainty over whether Solomon Islands will establish diplomatic ties with China continues.
#astroturfing
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