We don't want to see the CCP's way of life overruling the people of the Shormon Islands.

Daniel Suidani, the former premier of the Salman Islands Malaita Province,

became a hero among China watchers after he challenged the Chinese Communist Party's

influence operations in the region, refused to bribe, and barred CCP-linked companies from

operating in his province. Punishment came swiftly. He was ousted from his position,

and when he fell ill, the needed brain surgery, he was denied access to care,

until Taiwan finally came to his rescue. I had the rare opportunity of sitting down with Suidani,

and his advisor, Celstice Tali Filo, when they were on a trip to the United States.

That's the only thing they talk about. That China is there to help, and now it's been

promoted so much beyond anything else. This is American Thought Leaders, and I'm Ganya Kellek.

The story of Daniel Suidani and the Salman Islands is a window into the Chinese regime's tactics

across the Pacific, and even its tactics in North America, as it expands its influence,

drives the powerful, and co-op strategic resources. In 2019, the Salman Islands, which had long

recognized Taiwan as the true seat of the Chinese government, switched this formal recognition

to the People's Republic of China. Recently, parliament voted to delay elections to accommodate

a big event funded by China, the Pacific Games. There's evidence that the parliament members who

supported the change each received about $24,000 US dollars from a CCP-linked slush fund.

Premier Daniel Suidani, such a pleasure to have you on American Thought Leaders.

Thank you for having me. Thank you very much.

Well, welcome to America, and I was very happy to hear you yesterday testifying at the

Congressional Executive Commission on China about what's happened in the Salman Islands,

about the Chinese Communist Party influence in the Salman Islands, and the big changes that have

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