A Solomon Islands newspaper reports that a provincial premier says he was offered a huge bribe to switch allegiance to China.
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This comes as the government in Honiara dropped its diplomatic recognition of Taiwan in favour of China.
The Solomon Star said the Malaita premier, Daniel Suidani, claimed he was offered a bribe by government backbenchers of $US106,000 to support the switch.
Mr Suidani told the paper he refused to accept the offer for the sake of his people and his integrity.
Earlier this month Mr Suidani, incensed at the abandonment of Taiwan, had said he would push for independence for Malaita if there was backing from other provincial members.
