PORT MORESBY (CU)_China’s recent security pact with the Solomon Islands sent shockwaves through the Pacific with countries across the region voicing their concern over a potential Chinese military base in the Pacific archipelago. The United States and Australia say they share the same “red line” that such a move would be unacceptable. Honiara has reaffirmed that it would not allow Beijing to set up a military base in the country but Washington and Canberra appear to be unconvinced. Therefore, the two countries are looking to strengthen their security ties with another Pacific nation in response to their concerns.
Over the weekend, a high-level US delegation visited the Solomon Islands and met with the leader of the country’s Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, following which they also met with leaders and officials in Papua New Guinea, with plans to boost security relations with the country. According to the Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Daniel Kritenbrink, who was a part of the American delegation which visited the island country, said they met with Prime Minister James Marape and the country’s defence chiefs. He added that the parties agreed to hold further discussions in the coming months.
“There is a desire on both sides to ensure we take concrete steps to expand our security cooperation,” Kritenbrink said during a call with reporters. Meanwhile, senior government sources from Australia have confirmed that Canberra is also looking to enhance its security ties with PNG for months. Ahead of the elections next month, the opposition Labour party has announced plans to increase foreign aid to the Pacific by $525 million over a period of four years. The party also intends to establish a new “Pacific Engagement visa” which is aimed at boosting permanent migration from the region to Australia.
While Labour criticised the Morrison government for failing to send Foreign Minister Marise Payne to the Solomons to convince the government in Honiara to walk away from the deal with China. However, Minister Payne said the decision was a part of a “careful and collaborated approach to these issues respecting Solomon Islands’ sovereignty”. She went on to reiterate Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s warning that China establishing a military base would be a “red line”, but said “I don’t think it’s helpful to speculate” on what Canberra’s response would be.
