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Security concerns over deal for China to establish military presence on Solomon Islands

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China is set to sign a major agreement with the Solomon Islands which could see Beijing establish a military presence in the Pacific Islands.

The agreement, which was leaked online, will give China the power to use its military to protect the safety of Chinese personnel and projects in the Solomons.

It will also give Beijing a base for its navy less than 2000 kilometres off Australia’s coast.

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“Solomon Islands may, according to its own needs, request China to send police, armed police, military personnel and other law enforcement and armed forces to Solomon Islands to assist in maintaining social order, protecting people’s lives and property,” the agreement reads.

It also states that China’s government may “make ship visits, to carry out logistical replenishment in, and have stopover and transition in Solomon Islands”.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Solomon Islands’ Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare. Credit: Getty Images

The document says China and the Solomon Islands will enter into the agreement with the view of “strengthening security cooperation, mutual respect for sovereignty, equality and mutual benefit”.

The leaked agreement is yet to be signed, but has been confirmed as authentic by the Australian government.

Should the security deal be rubber stamped, it could shift the balance of power in the Pacific.

Australia has long been the main security provider to Solomon Islands.

In 2019 and again last November, Australian defence forces were deployed to the Solomon Islands to assist in peacekeeping efforts amid deadly anti-government protests in Honiara as residents demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

Australian defence forces deployed to the Solomon Islands in 2021.
Australian defence forces deployed to the Solomon Islands in 2021. Credit: Handout/Australian Department of Defence

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs said Australia “would be concerned by any actions that destabilise the security of our region”.

“Pacific Island nations have the right to make sovereign decisions. Australia’s co-operation with our Pacific family is focused on the economic prosperity, security and development of our region,” the spokesperson said.

“This co-operation is always transparent and open, and aligned to the priorities and interests of our Pacific partners.”

China has been attempting to muscle its way into the Pacific Islands over the past decades with the goal of establishing a military presence in the area.

Should it go ahead, the Solomons deal would be the first time the Chinese navy has an operational presence in the region beyond the South China Sea.


China is set to sign a major agreement with the Solomon Islands which could see Beijing establish a military presence in the Pacific Islands.

The agreement, which was leaked online, will give China the power to use its military to protect the safety of Chinese personnel and projects in the Solomons.

It will also give Beijing a base for its navy less than 2000 kilometres off Australia’s coast.

Watch the latest news on Channel 7 or stream it for free on 7plus >>

“Solomon Islands may, according to its own needs, request China to send police, armed police, military personnel and other law enforcement and armed forces to Solomon Islands to assist in maintaining social order, protecting people’s lives and property,” the agreement reads.

It also states that China’s government may “make ship visits, to carry out logistical replenishment in, and have stopover and transition in Solomon Islands”.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Solomon Islands’ Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Solomon Islands’ Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare. Credit: Getty Images

The document says China and the Solomon Islands will enter into the agreement with the view of “strengthening security cooperation, mutual respect for sovereignty, equality and mutual benefit”.

The leaked agreement is yet to be signed, but has been confirmed as authentic by the Australian government.

Should the security deal be rubber stamped, it could shift the balance of power in the Pacific.

Australia has long been the main security provider to Solomon Islands.

In 2019 and again last November, Australian defence forces were deployed to the Solomon Islands to assist in peacekeeping efforts amid deadly anti-government protests in Honiara as residents demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

Australian defence forces deployed to the Solomon Islands in 2021.
Australian defence forces deployed to the Solomon Islands in 2021. Credit: Handout/Australian Department of Defence

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs said Australia “would be concerned by any actions that destabilise the security of our region”.

“Pacific Island nations have the right to make sovereign decisions. Australia’s co-operation with our Pacific family is focused on the economic prosperity, security and development of our region,” the spokesperson said.

“This co-operation is always transparent and open, and aligned to the priorities and interests of our Pacific partners.”

China has been attempting to muscle its way into the Pacific Islands over the past decades with the goal of establishing a military presence in the area.

Should it go ahead, the Solomons deal would be the first time the Chinese navy has an operational presence in the region beyond the South China Sea.

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