Things are heating up in Solomon Islands. The South Pacific island nation of 700,000 people is gearing up to host its greatest event ever: the 2023 Pacific Games. China has built and financed most of the venues for the games, while Australia paid for dormitories for the 5,000 athletes from 24 countries, and Japan is improving the roads. All this, as the U.S.  reopened its embassy after 30 years, to counter growing Chinese influence in the region.

In this bonus episode, hear from two Solomon Islanders on what it's like to be wooed by multiple powers. Dorothy Wickham is a veteran journalist from the Solomons. Jay Bartlett is a leading local entrepreneur, who served as chairman of the country's Chamber of Commerce, and sits on the board of the central bank.

In February 2023 they spoke with Simona Grano, associate professor at the University of Zurich and frequent contributor to programs at Asia Society Switzerland, as part of our online series A Closer Look. This is an outtake of that conversation.

Watch the full conversation on our website.

STATE OF ASIA brings you engaging conversations with leading minds on the issues that shape Asia and affect us all.
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STATE OF ASIA is a podcast from Asia Society Switzerland. 
Season 5, bonus episode 1 - Published: October 10, 2023
Host and Producer: Remko Tanis, Programs and Editorial Manager, Asia Society Switzerland