Former Premier of the Malaita Province of Solomon Islands, Daniel Suidani, gained recognition from China watchers as a hero for challenging the influence operations of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the region. Despite being offered a bribe, Suidani refused and prohibited CCP-linked companies from operating in his province, ultimately resulting in his removal from his position. When Suidani fell ill and required brain surgery, he was initially denied access to care, until Taiwan intervened and rescued him. During a trip to the United States, I had the opportunity to meet with Suidani and his adviser Celsus Talifilu to discuss their experience. This story highlights the tactics of the Chinese regime across the Pacific and North America as it expands its influence by bribing officials and acquiring strategic resources. In 2019, the Solomon Islands, previously in recognition of Taiwan as the legitimate seat of the Chinese government, switched to formal recognition of the People’s Republic of China. Recently, Parliament voted to delay elections to accommodate the Pacific Games, a big event funded by China. There are indications that the Parliament members who supported the change received around 200,000 SBD per person (around US$24,000) from a slush fund linked to the CCP.