Solomon Islands

2022 - 3 - 25

Post cover — Image courtesy of "Aljazeera.com"

Australia alarm over China security deal with Solomon Islands (Aljazeera.com)

Leaked document indicates pact would allow China to deploy police and troops to Pacific island nation.

Australia previously led a peacekeeping mission in the Solomon Islands from 2003 to 2017. Dutton said 50 police were in the country and would remain there until 2023. “We want peace and stability in the region. The “forces of China” would also be allowed to protect “the safety of Chinese personnel” and “major projects in the Solomon Islands”. We don’t want unsettling influences and we don’t want pressure and coercion that we are seeing from China continuing to roll out in the region.” “We would be concerned, clearly, at any military base being established and we would express that to the Solomon Islands government,” Defence Minister Peter Dutton told Australia’s Channel Nine in an interview.

'Really concerning': China finalising security deal with Solomon ... (The Guardian)

Draft agreement circulating on social media suggests China could establish military base less than 2000km from Australia.

“We have a broad security treaty with Australia and policing cooperation. “It will have to go to cabinet.” She confirmed a wider agreement was being discussed. Australia has a bilateral security agreement with Solomon Islands, covering the deployment of police and armed forces, signed in 2018. “I don’t think it’s consistent with the values that we share with the Solomon Islands and with Tonga and other … near neighbours of ours in the region.” Marles called on the government to do “everything” to support the Pacific “to make sure at the end of the day Australia is the natural partner of choice when it comes to security”.

China-Solomon Islands security agreement leaked on social media (RNZ)

A draft security cooperation agreement could allow China to deploy police and military personnel to Solomon Islands.

That provision states that information between the Solomon Islands and China could only be released on mutual agreement by both parties. "In the Pacific, we have seen PLAN ship visits to the region. China has a strong interest in maritime issues and in the Pacific maritime domain. She said that such provisions would need to be clarified; as it's unclear what "China's own needs" refer to. Particularly as to what would happen if China's interests cut across the interests of the Solomon Islands or of its key regional partners such as Australia or Papua New Guinea. If so, that would raise a number of concerns.

In Australia's Backyard – China Inks Pact With Solomon Islands To ... (EurAsian Times)

The Solomon Island government's confirmation on the security deal with China has alarmed both Australia and New Zealand who see it as a move for the ...

“We want peace and stability in the region. Nevertheless, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said in a media briefing on March 25, that this agreement was “in line with the international law and international practice, conducive to maintaining social order in the Solomon Islands and promoting peace and stability in the region, and helpful to enhance common interests of China and the Solomon Islands, as well as all countries in the region.” He urged Australia to “see this objectively and calmly, and refrain from over-interpreting it.” According to the leaked papers, Beijing will be allowed to deploy forces to “protect the safety of Chinese personnel and major projects in the Solomon Islands.” The island nation could also “request China to send police, armed police, military personnel and other law enforcement and armed forces,” according to the document.

Statement on Solomon Islands (unknown)

Through COVID, tropical cyclones and volcanic eruptions, Australia has shown we will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our Pacific family, through good times ...

Last year, Australia spent a record $1.7 billion in development assistance and will continue responding to our Pacific partners’ priorities such as climate change, COVID-19 recovery and economic and security challenges. We have regularly and respectfully raised our concerns with the Solomon Islands Government and will continue to do so. When members of the Pacific family work together, we can respond to the security challenges in our region.

‘Great concern’ over China-Solomon Islands deal (unknown)

The Pacific island nation on Friday said it was expanding ties with China to combat security threats and ensure a safe environment for investment as it ...

The Solomons has already signed a policing deal with China. On Thursday, a Solomon Islands official told Reuters a security deal with China covering the military would be sent to its cabinet for consideration. The Pacific island nation on Friday said it was expanding ties with China to combat security threats and ensure a safe environment for investment as it diversifies security relations.