Solomon Islands Leader Nixes Chinese Base In His Country

The Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare assured Australia on Thursday that he would not “endanger his country” by allowing China to establish a naval base in the South Pacific, Rod McGuirk reported for the Associated Press (AP).

Photo Insert: “Prime Minister, I reiterate again that Solomon Islands will never be used for foreign military installations or institutions of foreign countries, because this will not be in the interest of Solomon Islands and its people,” Sogavare told Albanese.

Sogavare made his first visit to the Australian capital Canberra since his counterpart Anthony Albanese’s center-left Labor Party came to power at elections in May.

“Prime Minister, I reiterate again that Solomon Islands will never be used for foreign military installations or institutions of foreign countries, because this will not be in the interest of Solomon Islands and its people,” Sogavare told Albanese in front of reporters before their meeting began in Parliament House in Canberra.

A bilateral security agreement between China and the Solomons signed early this year raised concerns of a Chinese naval base being established in the South Pacific. China has denied seeking a military foothold in the Solomons.

“My government’s legacy is to safeguard the future of Solomon Islands and its people, and not to endanger the country and its citizens or the security of any forum country,” Sogavare added, referring to the Pacific Islands Forum, a bloc of 18 regional neighbors that includes Australia.

In the joint statement Thursday, Sogavare welcomed Australia’s commitment of A$16.68 million ($10.86 million) to pay for the Pacific Games next year and its offer of support for the 2024 elections.

The pair released a joint statement after their meeting rather than hold a customary joint press conference. The leaders “reaffirmed mutual security commitments and the Pacific family first approach to regional peace and security,” the statement said.

Australia wants the Solomons to turn to its neighbors to support its security needs rather than China. Australia already has a bilateral security treaty with the Solomons signed in 2017.

It provides a legal basis for the rapid deployment of Australian police, troops, and associated civilians in the event of a major security challenge. Australian police have been in the Solomons' capital Honiara since November to maintain peace after rioting.

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