China and the Solomon Islands have signed an agreement – a framework for security cooperation – in an agreement that Australia, New Zealand and the United States fear could pave the way for a Chinese naval base in the South Pacific.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin announced the agreement from Beijing, saying it includes co-operation in maintaining social order, protecting the security of the people, providing assistance, fighting natural disasters, and national security. .
Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele confirmed the signing of the agreement in a text message to the Australian network ABC.
The minister said that the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands Manasseh Sogavare will make official announcements on the matter within days.
The announcement comes just days after Australian Pacific Minister Zed Seselja traveled to Honiara, met with Prime Minister Sogavare and made a last-ditch effort to prevent him from signing the agreement with China.
The Chinese diplomat stressed that the cooperation would be transparent and not aimed at any third party.
“The purpose of China-Solomon Islands security cooperation is to promote social stability and long-term peace and security in the Solomon Islands – but also in the entire South Pacific region,” he said.
The South Pacific island nation is a former British colony, which gained its independence in 1978.
The head of state is Queen Elizabeth, however Britain does not retain any power in the domestic political life of the country.
Source: Capital
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