Pacific nation has batted away concerns from Australia, New Zealand and the US, saying its policy is ‘friends to all and enemies to none’
China police liaison team officers train local Solomon Islands police officers in drill. A senior Australian defence force officer says a deal between the two nations may force Canberra to change the way it conducts operations in the Pacific.China police liaison team officers train local Solomon Islands police officers in drill. A senior Australian defence force officer says a deal between the two nations may force Canberra to change the way it conducts operations in the Pacific.
The government said it would “work with all partners in providing a safe and secure nation where all people are able to co-exist peacefully”.The statement was issued after Lt Gen Greg Bilton, Australia’s chief of joint operations, said it “does change the calculus if Chinese navy vessels are operating from Solomon Islands”.
“Our training will continue,” he said. “So I guess we find ourselves in a circumstance where we will be present in the Solomon Islands and so too will the Chinese, seeking to provide training and support to the same organisations.”dismissed foreign criticism However, it is unclear whether there will be any minor or substantial changes when the agreement is ultimately signed.“Solomon Islands seeks greater security partnership with other partners and neighbours and once again express its deep gratitude and sincere appreciation to Australia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and Fiji for the presence of their Security Personnel in Solomon Islands,” it said.
Officials confirmed that the Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison, had had “direct contact” with Sogavare, but this was not in the form of a telephone conversation.The finance minister, Simon Birmingham, rejected claims the deal was a failure of Australian diplomacy.
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