Bangkok ( Associated Press) – The Solomon Islands prime minister confirmed on Wednesday that his government had signed a new security agreement with China, but lawmakers said it would “not harm the peace and stability of our region” as he feared the opposition and other countries. United States and Australia.
The security agreement allows China to send police and military personnel to the Solomon Islands, and “to maintain social order” and open the door for Chinese navies to “stop logging” at the port – raising concerns that this could happen. Chinese naval base at the gates of Australia and New Zealand.
However, in a speech to parliament, Manasseh Sogavarre argued that the peace agreement was a step towards “internal security”. A.D. He said he supported the 2017 peace deal with Australia.
“I urge all our neighbors, friends and allies to respect the sovereignty of the Solomon Islands,” he told parliament.
The draft agreement was leaked online last month and the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday that it would sign “another day.” It was unclear to lawmakers that Sogavar was also signed “a few days ago.”
Australia urges Solomon Islands not to sign agreement. Two top US officials – Kurt Campbell, National Security Council Indo-Pacific Coordinator and Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs – are due to travel to the country this week for talks.
Sogavarre said his government would not allow China to build a military base, adding that China wanted a military base in the South Pacific.
Cesselig and Australian Foreign Minister Maris Payne said in a joint statement that they were “deeply saddened” by the announcement of the agreement.
“Our persistent views, including those of Australia’s national interest, continue to be well-placed to meet the region’s security needs,” he said.
“We are concerned about the lack of transparency in this agreement, given its potential to undermine stability in our region.”
“The Solomon Islands will never be used for military purposes or for any foreign military establishment,” he said, adding that he would welcome Sogavarre’s statement.
Earlier this week, US State Department spokesman Ned Price said the agreement would destabilize the Solomon Islands and set an example for the rest of the Pacific.
“Despite the views of the Solomon Islands government, the broader nature of the peace agreement will open the door for the deployment of the PRC (People’s Republic of China) to the Solomon Islands,” he said.
Micronesia and other Pacific island nations have expressed concern over the Solomon Islands’ main opposition party.
In his speech, Sogavarre said the agreement would help strengthen the country’s police force and prevent future instability.
“We have opened our eyes to China and reassured the people of the Solomon Islands that we have reached an agreement, guided by our national interests,” he said.
