New Prime Minister Says Solomon Islands Will Review Its Secretive Security Treaty with China
The leaders will negotiate a comprehensive treaty and a $190 million police package as Solomon Islands reviews its security pact with China.
- On Wednesday, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met in Canberra, announcing plans to negotiate a comprehensive strategic treaty elevating their bilateral relationship.
- Wale, elected last month after his pro-China predecessor was ousted, pledged to "reset" bilateral relations and review the secretive 2022 security pact with China that sparked regional anxiety about potential naval bases.
- The leaders committed to a $190 million agreement to expand and train the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, moving to the next phase of Australian Federal Police partnership building.
- Albanese declared Australia aims to be the "security partner of choice" for Solomon Islands, positioning Canberra against Beijing's growing influence in the strategically vital Pacific region.
- Foreign ministers now lead treaty negotiations targeting completion by year-end, though analysts warn Wale must balance the Canberra pivot with Solomon Islands' existing Beijing development partnerships to avoid internal friction.
24 Articles
24 Articles
The Solomon Islands want to review their security agreement with China. Instead, the new government is seeking closer cooperation with Australia.
Sydney Morning Herald
New Solomons PM vows to review controversial security pact with China
Solomon Islands leader Matthew Wale said he was seeking a “reset” in the relationship with Australia after a period dominated by deepening ties to China.
New Solomon Islands leader wants to 'reset' relations with Australia
The new Solomon Islands PM has made a clear pivot towards Australia, agreeing to kickstart negotiations on a comprehensive treaty and promising to "review" the Pacific nation's contentious security agreement with China.
New Solomon Islands leader reviews security pact with China, seeks treaty with Australia
CANBERRA, June 3 - The Solomon Islands will negotiate a comprehensive strategic treaty with Australia and review a security agreement with China, the Pacific country's new prime minister said on Wednesday. Read more at straitstimes.com.
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