Former Solomon Islands prime minister Danny Philip staunchly defends his country's secret pact with Beijing, saying the government does not need to seek public approval, because of 'national security'.
"The agreement was signed and drawn up very much for the eyes of the government, an executive decision," Mr Philip declared during an online seminar hosted on Thursday.
"People in Australia know very little about Pine Gap in the middle of the desert, the military base of the United States. The comments by a powerful government MP and former leader will solidify anxieties in the Australian government, which fears vague and broadly-worded language in the security agreement could pave the way for a Chinese military presence in Solomon Islands.
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