The Solomon Islands prime minister assures Australia he would not “endanger his country” by allowing China to establish a naval base in the South Pacific. A bilateral security deal between China and the Solomons signed early this year raised such concerns.
The pair released a joint statement after their meeting rather than hold a customary joint press conference. The leaders “reaffirmed mutual security commitments and the Pacific family first approach to regional peace and security,” the statement said.
Australia already has a bilateral security treaty with the Solomons signed in 2017. It provides a legal basis for the rapid deployment of Australian police, troops and associated civilians in the event of a major security challenge. Australian police have been in the Solomons’ capital HoniaraAustralia had led a force of Pacific Islands police and troops under the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands from 2003 to 2017.
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