United States Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman has reassured the Pacific region the Biden administration is watching closely as the security pact between China and the Solomon Islands takes shape, warning a military base on the islands would 'create security concerns for all'.
The second-most senior United States diplomat has reassured the Pacific region the Biden administration is watching closely as the security pact between China and the Solomon Islands takes shape, warning a military base on the islands would "create security concerns for all".
Ms Sherman said she "really felt sorry" for Mr Sogavare and described it as a missed "opportunity" for the Prime Minister to reflect on how the Japanese were turned back during a key moment in WWII. "The ceremony was incredibly moving, incredibly important. I think we all felt really the solidarity of our work together to ensure freedom and democracy in the Pacific.", causing enormous concern among local opposition politicians and in Canberra, Wellington and Washington.
"But this is a situation where we will all watch very carefully to see what happens here. It is quite critical."It is the Pacific Islands Forum, other countries who care very much that there not be a Chinese military base, because that would create a threat, potentially, to all of the Pacific Islands and create security concerns for all."As part of the AUKUS agreement Australia will get nuclear-powered submarines to replace its Collins Class fleet.
The US is facing construction delays with its current Virginia class submarines and has been exploring options for refuelling and extending the life of its older Los Angeles design.
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