Australia has strengthened its security ties with the Solomon Islands, offering support to its police force in a bid to counter China's growing influence in the Pacific region.
The Albanese government has secured a new security deal with Solomon Islands , nearly three years after the Pacific nation signed a security agreement with China, raising serious alarm about Beijing’s growing influence in the region. In a joint statement, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele said Australia would provide a package of support to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, including funding, training and infrastructure support.
“Our announcement follows discussions initiated between prime ministers in June 2024 and reflects Australia’s role as Solomon Islands’ security partner of choice. The support responds to Solomon Islands’ strong desire to build an enduring sovereign security capability, thereby reducing its reliance on external partners over time,” the statement said. The announcement is the third this month to bind Australia closer to Pacific nations, following deals with Papua New Guinea and Nauru. A treaty signed with Nauru on December 9 blocks China and other countries from striking any security or telecommunications deals in exchange for $140 million in financial support.On December 12, Australia announced its support for the long-anticipated Papua New Guinea rugby league team, which will enter the NRL from 2028. Australia will provide $600 million over the next 10 years to help establish the team, with $120 million coming from existing Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade funding. The PNG deal comes with an escape clause that allows the Australian government to immediately terminate the agreement if PNG strikes a security or policing pact with China or other rival nations over the next decad
AUSTRALIA SOLOMON ISLANDS CHINA SECURITY PACIFIC REGION
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