Solomon Islands Plans Its Own Military Force Against Background of Growing Allegiance to Beijing

Solomon Islands Plans Its Own Military Force Against Background of Growing Allegiance to Beijing

Only three Pacific Island nations—Tonga, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji—currently maintain standing militaries, but that number is set to increase after the Solomon Islands decided to establish its own military. The nation of hundreds of islands in the South Pacific with a population of 734,887, according to the 2023 estimate, hasn’t had a defence force since 1976, when Britain ended its colonial rule. However, Minister for Police, National Security…

‘Not an attempt to militarise our nation’ – Solomon Islands considers own military

By Koroi Hawkins, RNZ Pacific editor The Solomon Islands government is looking into establishing a defence force which would make it the fourth Pacific nation to have a military. Some parliamentarians support the idea, while others are pointing to the country’s history of violent unrest. National Security Minister Jimson Tanagada said the government was in the early stages of exploring whether to form a defence force. READ MORE: Other Solomon I…

SICTU questions merit of new defence force

The Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions (SICTU) has raised serious concerns regarding the government’s preliminary policy work to explore the establishment of a Solomon Islands Defence Force (SIDF).  In a statement SICTU President Tony Kagovai said, while it acknowledge the government’s stated intentions of enhancing national sovereignty and self-reliance, it question the merit and timing of such a significant undertaking when the foundation…

Australian National Review - Solomon Islands Plans Its Own Military Force Against Background of Growing Allegiance to Beijing

This picture taken on April 21, 2024, shows an islander walking past the recently-built National Stadium, gifted by the Chinese Communist Party, in Honiara, capital city of the Solomon Islands. Saeed Khan/AFP via Getty Images Only three Pacific Island nations—Tonga, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji—currently maintain standing militaries, but that number is set to increase after the Solomon Islands decided to establish its own military. The nation of …