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Australia says it would keep security ties with Solomons despite China pact
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SYDNEY, 18 April 2022, (TON): Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said “Australia would continue to cooperate with Solomons Islands on matters of security even if the Pacific island nation signs a proposed security agreement with China that Australia opposes.”
Canberra is concerned the security deal, details of which have not been publicized, could foreshadow a Chinese military presence fewer than 2,000 km from Australia.
Despite a national election campaign putting the Australian government in caretaker mode, an Australian minister this week met with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in Honiara and asked him not to sign the proposed agreement.
Queried over whether Australia would continue security cooperation with the Solomons Islands if the deal went ahead Payne told media “yes, that is absolutely my view and it is the view of Pacific partners.”
Payne said “but there is also a concern that there has been a lack of transparency in relation to this agreement.”
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