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Australia, NZ concerned as Solomon Islands confirm China security deal

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On March 15, 2022, Prime Minister Scott Morrison was in Perth (Australia)

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Australia and New Zealand were concerned Friday by the possible impact of Chinese military cooperation on regional security.

If the security treaty is concluded, it would represent a significant inroad for China within a region U.S. allies Australia, New Zealand, and New Zealand have long considered their “back yard”.

The Solomon Islands government made its initial comments about the issue and confirmed that it is “diversifying China’s security partner” and will sign a variety of agreements with Beijing to “further create a safe and secure environment for foreign and local investments.”

In a statement, the government stated that it was necessary to establish partnerships in order to enhance the quality of life and combat the security risks facing the country.

According to it, the proposed security arrangements with China will cover both humanitarian and legal needs.

After recent riots, the nation was in dire need of rebuilding its economy and decided to sign an agreement for air transport with China. This would increase trade and help build confidence.

According to it, a security agreement that was signed with Australia in 2017 would be kept as Solomon Islands improves relations with China.

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Scott Morrison, Australia’s Prime Minster, stated that he has not spoken with his Solomon Islands counterpart since the news about the security talks between China and the Pacific islands was made public.

Morrison stated earlier that Australia and New Zealand are part of the Pacific family and was holding talks with Honiara.

“There may be others trying to pretend to influence the region, and they may try to gain some kind of control over it. We are acutely aware of this.”

A Solomon Islands official said that the Solomon Islands had signed a policing agreement with China. He also suggested that a wider security agreement for its military be considered.

ABC Radio’s former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said that the proposed pact is “one of most important security developments we’ve seen in decades, and it’s detrimental to Australia’s national safety interests.”

A Pacific Island nation with less than 1 million inhabitants, located 1,240 miles (1,240 km) northeast Australia, has switched its diplomatic recognition from Taiwan in 2019 to Beijing. This is a sign of China’s increasing power in the Pacific.

Nanaia Mahuta from New Zealand, is the foreign minister. She stated in a statement, that Pacific partners must be open about their actions.

“Such agreements are the right of every sovereign country to make, but developments in the purported agreement may destabilize existing institutions and arrangements that have for many years supported security in the Pacific region,” she stated.

‘Unsettling influences’

New Zealand and Australia have police officers on the Solomon Islands. They are part of a multi-national contingent which was sent by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogare to help restore order in November after there were riots.

A Solomon Islands resident published the online draft of the security contract, telling Reuters that it was a leaked document.

This includes the Chinese military and police who assist with disaster response, social order and safety for Chinese personnel.

Peter Dutton from Australia, the defense minister, said it would be worrying if a Chinese military station was established in Solomon Islands.

We want stability and peace in the region. Dutton stated that they don’t want any unsettling influences or the pressure and coercion we’re seeing coming from China.

In response to China’s threats of military cooperation, the United States declared last month that it will open an American embassy in Honiara.

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