Solomon Islands leader defends new security pact with China

BANGKOK, 21 April 2022, (TON): The Solomon Islands prime minister confirmed that his government has signed a new security agreement with China, but told “lawmakers it would not undermine the peace and harmony of our region as has been feared by the opposition and countries including the United States and Australia.”

The security pact allows China to send police and military personnel to the Solomon Islands “to assist in maintaining social order.”

But in his address to parliament, Manasseh Sogavare defended the security agreement as being directed entirely to our internal security situation.

He said “it complemented a 2017 security arrangement with Australia, under which Australian police peacekeepers have been in the capital, Honiara, since riots in November.”

He told parliament “I ask all our neighbors, friends and partners to respect the sovereign interest of Solomon Islands on the assurance that the decision will not adversely impact or undermine the peace and harmony of our region.”

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