Solomon Islands

Why in news?

• The US has reopened its Solomon Islands embassy in a move widely seen as shoring up influence in the Pacific to counter China's push into the region

About Solomon Islands:

• Is a sovereign country consisting of six major islands and over 900 smaller islands in Melanesia.
  • Melanesia  is a subregion of Oceania in the southwestern Pacific Ocean
• Its capital, Honiara, is located on the largest island, Guadalcanal

Geographical features:

• Archipelago of mountains, heavily forested volcanic islands (some active) and few low lying coral atolls

Chinese influence:

• In 2019, a Beijing-based company which has close ties to the Chinese Communist Party has secured exclusive development rights for the entire island of Tulagi and its surroundings.
• Tulagi is an island within the Solomon Islands
• The Solomons cut ties to Taiwan and allied with Beijing just a few days before the Tulagi deal

Add ons:

• The Solomon Islands are located directly between Australia and the U.S. and was the site of fierce battles during World War II.
• Solomon Islands campaign (1942–1945) saw fierce fighting between the United States, Commonwealth forces and the Empire of Japan.

PRELIMS QUESTION

Consider the following pairs:

Places in news        : Region

1.Solomon Islands     : Pacific

2. Kiribati                    : Indian Ocean

3.Sicily                                    : Mediterranean Sea

Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1 and 3 only

Answer