Solomon Islands to Reassess China Security Deal as New PM Signals Policy Review

Canberra: Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale has announced a review of the country's controversial security agreement with China, saying his government is examining the pact as part of a broader assessment of security arrangements with foreign partners.

Speaking alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a joint press conference in Canberra, Wale revealed that he only obtained a copy of the agreement shortly before departing for Australia on his first overseas visit since taking office in May.

Wale said he had not yet been able to conduct a detailed review of the agreement, noting that access to the document had been limited. He also indicated that changes had been made within the administration to facilitate access to key government records.

"I've had a look at it, but I haven't had a good look at it," Wale said, adding that the matter would be considered by his Cabinet. He noted that the agreement contains a non-disclosure clause, restricting public discussion of its contents.

The Solomon Islands leader emphasized that the China pact would be reviewed alongside security agreements the country has with other nations, rather than being singled out.

The security agreement with China was signed in 2022 by former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare. The deal raised concerns in Australia and other regional partners over Beijing's growing strategic influence in the Pacific.

Despite recent geopolitical tensions, Wale described Australia as a longstanding friend of the Solomon Islands and stressed the enduring nature of bilateral ties.

"Solomon Islands is Australia's friend, has always been and always will be," he said, acknowledging that while relations had experienced challenges in recent years, the deep historical, institutional and people-to-people connections between the two countries remained strong.

Albanese welcomed the opportunity to strengthen cooperation and announced that both nations had agreed to elevate their relationship through a new comprehensive treaty based on mutual trust, respect and open dialogue.

According to the Australian leader, the proposed agreement will provide a framework for addressing shared regional and global challenges while deepening collaboration across multiple sectors.

The two countries also agreed to expand cooperation between the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and the Australian Federal Police. The initiative aims to enhance policing capabilities and regional security coordination under the broader Pacific security framework.

The announcement signals a potential shift in Solomon Islands' foreign and security policy under Wale's leadership, while reaffirming the country's commitment to maintaining strong ties with traditional regional partners such as Australia.

With inputs from IANS