China and the Solomon Islands are working on a security agreement — and a draft version that has leaked is raising alarms elsewhere in the Pacific.
Australia’s Trade Minister says developments involving China and the Solomon Islands are “deeply concerning.”
The two countries are negotiating a security agreement — and a draft version that has emerged on social media appears to allow China the chance to base warships in the country.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the Financial Times both say they have independently verified that the document is genuine.
The draft says that China’s government may “make ship visits” and that the government of the Solomon Islands may “request China to send…armed police, military personnel and other law enforcement and armed forces” to the country.
Australia is less than 1,500 miles from the Solomon Islands — and Australia’s Defense Minister said “we would be concerned clearly about any military base being established” in that area.
In 2019, the Solomon Islands switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing — and there has been an increasing Chinese presence in the country since then.
Australia has traditionally provided security support to the Solomon Islands — but last year, China sent 10 police officers there, following riots in the national capital.
Last month, the United States announced it would open an embassy in the Solomon Islands, largely in response to the country’s closer relationship with China.
