There’s always a section in the world news dedicated to China, and more recently, the interaction between China and Taiwan. But what’s it like to be a neighbouring or observing country, eventually finding its allegiances suddenly shifting? The Solomon Islands are dealing with that exact issue.
This event was a book showcase for a publication of the same name written by Edward Acton Cavanough. The author spoke about the political and social context of the Pacific nation, the events detailed in the book, as well as recent developments in the region, relative to the events described in the publication. He also took questions on the discussed topics from audience members, regarding Britain’s role in Solomon sovereignty and the issues faced as a result, as well as what the tenuous relationship with China may mean for the Solomon Islands, Taiwan and the rest of the world.
I may not have read this book or been overly familiar with the events concerned in the Solomon Islands, but that was no hindrance. Cavanough’s presentation and explanation of the situation and what has led to it was thorough and engaging throughout. I understood what was being explained very well, he was clearly extremely well informed and could articulate the events described simply and effectively, despite their complexities and left me feeling as if I knew a lot about a situation I wasn’t aware was occurring an hour before the talk began.
I found that the way in which the Solomon islands have effectively divided (hence the title) into two separate groups based around their allegiances with either Taiwan or China particularly fascinating, especially given some of the comparisons that can be drawn regarding regional disparity in opinion in the U.K., most notably between Scotland and the wider union. Hearing about how many of these events were spurred by a single person or a few people and yet have led to such stark ramifications really highlights the impact one person can have if they find themselves in the right positions.
I may not have read Divided Isles: Solomon Islands and the China Switch, but I am much more eager to pick up the book now and give it a go. Cavanough is a brilliant communicator, and if his writing is anything like his oratory skills, it’ll definitely be an exciting read.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Divided Isles: Solomon Islands and the China Switch was published in 2023. Other Festival of Debate events can be found here
