China and the Solomon Islands are creating a partnership to tackle security threats and ensure a safe environment for investment as It diversifies security relations. The security pack would be a huge inroad for China in the region.
Australia and New Zealand have expressed concern over the impact on regional security that potential military cooperation between the Pacific island nation and China would have.
A draft document that outlines the proposed cooperation leaked publicly.
The government of the Solomon Islands addressed the matter publicly for the first time, saying that broadening partnerships is necessary in order to improve the quality of lives of people, as well as address security threats that face the country.
In a statement, the Solomon Islands said that the country is diversifying security partnerships, including with China, and that it will sign a number of agreements with China in order to create a secure and safe environment for both local and foreign investments.
This week, officials from the Solomon Islands said that a security agreement with China that covers the military will be sent for consideration to the cabinet.
China and The Solomons already have a policing deal together.
This new arrangement would cover humanitarian needs, and the Solomon Islands said it needs to rebuild its economy and that a pact covering air services would increase trade and therefore boost the economy.
The Solomon Islands previously signed a security agreement in 2017 with Australia, and this will be preserved even as ties with China deepen.
Australia said that it expressed its concern over the country speaking with China, and warned that there would be pushback in the region. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that both Australia and New Zealand were part of a “pacific family”, and that they have a history of security support and response to crises in the region.
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