やしの実通信 by Dr Rieko Hayakawa

太平洋を渡り歩いて35年。島と海を国際政治、開発、海洋法の視点で見ていきます。

ソロモン諸島台湾断交をめぐる「法と力」

f:id:yashinominews:20190921095602j:plain

 ソロモン諸島台湾断交を決定したソガバレ首相からその正式な理由が断交決定後3日目の9月20日に発表された。これは国際法の観点から非常に興味深い。奥が深い。中国人の国際法研究者が背後にいることが手に取るようにわかる。彼らは国際法は利用するものであるということを理解しているのだ。今回は「国際法を守る」という立場を利用している、と思える内容だ。

Internarional lawが4回出てくる。私の解釈も加えて若干メモをつけておく。

“Unfortunately, our plea over the past 36 years has been in vain and will continue to remain as such based on international law, the respect for territorial integrity, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality, mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence that collectively represent the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations,” he said.

ソロモン諸島は36年も台湾の主権を支持してきたが国際法の基礎であり国連憲章の基本原則である領土保全、内政不干渉、平等、相互利益と平和的共存が困難であることがわかった。これは最近ソガバレ首相の切り取られたインタビューにあった、オーストラリア政府の干渉、すなわちソロモン諸島と台湾の協力を邪魔する国があることも示しているように思う。

 

He further concluded that it was Taiwan that cut ties with Solomon Islands, for reasons that they are not happy with the Solomon Islands decision to comply with International Law governing the matter of diplomatic relations, and did so even before an official decision was announced and immediately began leaving the country before a proper farewell could be arranged.

国際法を遵守したソロモン諸島の外交運営を不満に思い、先に断交してきたのは台湾である。

 

“A cardinal point that the people of this country must understand is that Taiwan under international law is not entitled to have diplomatic relations with any sovereign country in the world because it is not recognized as a country by the United Nations. 

国連で認められていない主権国家でない台湾は国際法上外交関係をどこの国とももつことはできない事をソロモン諸島国民は知るべきである。(共産主義万歳!レーニン、スターリン、フルシチョフ万歳!脱植民地化、自決権万歳!)

 

“Our sovereign decision to sever the diplomatic relations is therefore consistent with International law,” he explained.

したがってソロモン諸島の主権的判断は国際法との一貫性がある。

 

今ちょうど西平等氏の『法と力』を読んでいる。まさに「国際法」と「国際政治」の、すなわち法と力の駆け引きが目の前で行われているように思える。そして中国は国際法を知り尽くしているのだ。

 

 

Sogavare finally explains decision to recognize China

By RONALD TOITO’ONA

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has finally decided to publicly clarify the reason why his Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) voted in favour of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) over the Republic of China (Taiwan) early this week.

The outcome of the switch made headlines across the world this week, when the Sogavare-led DCGA decided to respect the ‘One China Principle’under United Nation Resolution 2758 of 197.

In the statement released late yesterday, the prime minister said Solomon Islands and its people have endured many challenges since Independence in 1978 in trying to forge a path towards achieving economic prosperity, social stability and lasting peace for the sake of future generations and the common good of our people.

The statement was his official message to the people of Solomon Islands, after so many unanswered questions and a planned Press conference with the local media to answer peoples doubt was cancelled on Tuesday.

Before clarifying the intention behind the switch, Mr Sogavare also took the time to recognise Taiwan for the long 36 years relationship with Solomon Islands.

“It is with deep gratitude that I express on behalf of my family and all members of the DCGA, my heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the support rendered by Taiwan.

“….Taiwan over the past 36 years is an enduring friend and development partner who has stood with us during some of our darkest hours, the gratitude for which the change of diplomatic recognition will never take away,” he acclaimed.

The prime minister went on to clarify tocitizens of the country that, diplomatic friendships are based on shared values, mutual respect and national interests which in the case of Taiwan

“…we have reciprocated the support they have rendered over the past 36 years, by availing our marine resources and advocating to the United Nations (UN) for their right to self-determination as an independent sovereign nation despite the stand taken by the other 176 UN Member countries.  

“Unfortunately, our plea over the past 36 years has been in vain and will continue to remain as such based on international law, the respect for territorial integrity, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality, mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence that collectively represent the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations,” he said.

Further, the democratic system within Taiwan consists of two major political parties, the currently ruling DPP that maintains a pro-independence stance for Taiwan, and the KMT that maintains a reunification policy, he said. 

“The National elections are in January 2020 and having been through this cycle in the past, the Solomon Islands is better served making a decision that reflects our long term development interests rather than being uncertain over what might happen should one day Taiwan democratically decide to reunite with Mainland China.”

The prime minister added that formal recognition of the sovereignty of the Peoples Republic of China under the UN Resolution 2758 is supported by all UN countries except 16 underdeveloped nations which raises questions over whose interests does this minority support of small nations serve to represent against the vast majority of the global democracy?  

“Solomon Islands cannot answer for other nations but to determine the most appropriate way forward for the good of our country and people is the reason why Cabinet collectively decided on the appointment of a Bi-Partisan Taskforce to investigate and confirm the facts surrounding the ‘One China Principle’ while MFAET was also tasked to provide a report on the review of our diplomatic ties with Taiwan.”

As a result, Mr Sogavare said the outcome of both reports confirmed that while we cannot deny the long standing friendship we have maintained with Taiwan, the future stability and well-being of Solomon Islands depends on our own ability to engage at the international level with development partners capable of advancing our national interests while we develop opportunities, strengthen our institutions, effectively manage resources and remain united in our quest for peace, prosperity and progress in the future best interests of our country.

Prime Minister Sogavare also went on to clarify that the decision by Cabinet to acknowledge the United Nations Resolution 2758 of 1971 requires Solomon Islands to sever diplomatic relations, but not people-to-people relationship, cultural exchanges, trade relations and investment, which will continue as long as Taiwan and Solomon Islands continue to exist on planet earth. 

“Taiwan investments in the country will continue to be supported by Solomon Islands Government. 

“They are entitled to incentives and the protections guaranteed by our laws. We would encourage more Taiwanese Investors to invest in the country, something they have not been actively doing over the 36 years of diplomatic relations. 

“Their investments have been in political governments and political interests. The people of Taiwan are welcome to send cultural groups to Solomon Islands for cultural exchanges. 

“These exchanges are not affected by the diplomatic switch,” the prime minister stated.

He further concluded that it was Taiwan that cut ties with Solomon Islands, for reasons that they are not happy with the Solomon Islands decision to comply with International Law governing the matter of diplomatic relations, and did so even before an official decision was announced and immediately began leaving the country before a proper farewell could be arranged.

“A cardinal point that the people of this country must understand is that Taiwan under international law is not entitled to have diplomatic relations with any sovereign country in the world because it is not recognized as a country by the United Nations. 

“Our sovereign decision to sever the diplomatic relations is therefore consistent with International law,” he explained.

Meanwhile, the news of the switch was widely criticised by the majority of ordinary Solomon Islanders accusing the government for quickly rushing the whole process.

Up till this day, many people were not quite satisfied with the government decision.

 

PM CLARIFIES SWITCH - Solomon Star News