Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade used the bilateral talks with their Chinese counterparts to express concerns about the 'lack of transparency' of the security pact.
Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade used the bilateral talks with their Chinese counterparts to express concerns about the"lack of transparency" of the security pact.
It said officials "reinforced Australia's abiding commitment to the security architecture of our region", and stressed that "the Pacific family remains best placed to meet the security needs of Pacific island countries comprehensively". It was the first time the two had met since Solomon Islands signed a security pact with China in April.
"Australia has been consistent and clear in stating our respect for Solomon Islands' sovereign decision-making," she said.China and Solomon Islands have inked a security pact. What does it mean for Australia's role in the Pacific? He said he was "insulted" that Solomons Islands was being treated like kindergarten students "walking around with Colt 45s in our hands" who needed to be supervised.
"We are concerned for the Solomon Islands, for the broader security in the southwest Pacific," he said.
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