The new Solomon Islands government says it will be looking to strengthen trade relations with China despite having no diplomatic ties with Beijing.
The Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says Solomon Islands' recognition of Taiwan should not get in the way of the country's economic growth.
Mr Sogavare says there are many new players in the region and his government will be exploring partnerships that could be beneficial to the country's economy.
"Our first priority or the priority of this government is to attract investment, trade and that we can go about doing it without affecting our diplomatic relations and I want to assure our diplomatic partners that, that's the approach that we will be taking."
Prime Minister Sogavare's Democratic Coalition for Change Government is still working on its final policy document which he says will also focus on improving basic service delivery across the country and reviving the agriculture, fisheries and tourism sectors.
Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare Photo: RNZI
