Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasheh Sugavare has spoken out against Australia as reactions to the recent security agreement between Solomon Islands and China continue.
Speaking in parliament today, Sugavare said the Pacific country had not been warned in 2021 that Australia was about to sign a security agreement with Britain and the United States that included nuclear submarines.
In September, those countries announced the tripartite defense alliance known as AUKUS, which allows them to share technology covering cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, submarine systems and long-range strike capabilities.
“I learned about the AUKUS Treaty from the media. One would expect that, as a member of the Pacific family, the Solomon Islands and members of the Pacific should have previously consulted to ensure that this AUKUS Treaty is transparent.” , said Sugavare.
“I understand that Australia is a sovereign country, which can participate in any treaty it wants, transparently or not, which is exactly what they did with AUKUS.”
Sugavare made the remarks following criticism from many Western countries, including Australia, New Zealand and the United States, over the security pact signed between China and the Solomon Islands.
“When Australia signed AUKUS, we did not make theatrical remarks or hysterics about the impact this could have on us,” Sogavare said. “We respect Australia’s decision.”
During the recent riots in the Solomon Islands, both Australia and New Zealand sent military personnel, boats and police to support the country’s stability.
However, Sogavare criticized the agreement that the Solomon Islands have signed with Australia, calling it “insufficient” as it “failed to contain” the riots in November.
This island country, which is located in the northeast of Australia, has a population of only about 700,000 people, but it is of great strategic importance. China is increasingly active in the Pacific, a region traditionally dominated by the United States.
SOURCE: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ
Source: Capital
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