A secret ballot has elected Jeremiah Manele as the new Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, setting Canberra on edge for the possibility of a militarised South Pacific.
The threat of a Chinese military base off the east coast of Australia looms as the Solomon Islands elects a new pro- China Prime Minister.
Former Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, current Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Picture: Thomas Peter-Pool/Getty Images A military base in the Solomon Islands would put Australia well within range of China's military capabilities. Picture: Xinhua News Agency
“We could see navy destroyers and military aircraft patrolling the eastern coastline and interfering with operations in the coral sea,” Dr Davis said.
Manasseh Sogavare China Anthony Albanese Jeremiah Manele Canberra Belt And Road Initiative Australia Malcolm Davis Defence Solomon Islands
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