New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern called on Solomon Islands “not to despise its own Pacific family.”
28.3. 10:10 • Updated March 28th. 10:41
Security policy structures are changing around the world, including in the Pacific.
Australia and New Zealand are concerned about the convergence of Solomon Islands and China.
According to a leaked document, China may be increasing its military presence in an island nation in the South Pacific. Solomon Islands is reportedly planning to allow naval visits.
Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison has discussed the plan with colleagues Jacinda Ardernin with the weekend. Discussions are also planned with other countries in the region, such as Papua New Guinea and Fiji.
– The increase in pressure on national security in the region is not surprising. We have been aware of this for a long time, Prime Minister Morrison told reporters.
The China Belt and Road project also reaches the Pacific
Solomon Islands announced on Thursday that it had signed a cooperation agreement with China. On that basis, China can send police and military personnel to the islands. On the basis of a broader document going to the public, a broader security co-operation would be planned.
According to China, this is normal cooperation between states.
It is not yet known when the agreement will be signed and enter into force.
Since 2019, Solomon Islands, with a population of about 700,000, has moved closer to China and distanced itself from Taiwan, which China considers a rebel province. Australian police have been monitoring order in the capital, Honiara, since November. Unrest erupted in the city towards the end of the year.
The Pacific’s traditional partners, the United States, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, have sought to provide alternatives to China’s major Belt and Road infrastructure project. Last year, Australia signed a regional AUKUS agreement with the United States and Britain.