Solomon Islands to review 2022 security treaty with China
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale announced a review of the secretive 2022 security treaty with China, which had raised concerns among the US and Australia about potential Chinese naval presence in the South Pacific.
- Wale, who only recently received the treaty and removed certain officials from key positions, emphasized the need for transparency and indicated other security agreements would also be reviewed.
- During his first overseas trip to Australia, Wale and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese agreed to negotiate a comprehensive strategic treaty to strengthen bilateral security and economic ties.
- Albanese stressed that Australia should be the Solomon Islands' primary security partner, advocating for regional security managed by Pacific nations rather than China.
- The Solomon Islands previously shifted diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 2019, and China has since provided police training, with the Solomons relying on police for security due to the absence of a military.