Solomon Islands’ newly elected Prime Minister Matthew Wale says his government will review a security agreement with China signed in 2022. Multiple outlets report Wale frames the move as part of a broader shift in the country’s regional alignment, including a “reset” in relations with Australia. He also signals the review will extend beyond the China pact by examining other security arrangements Solomon Islands has with different partners. Wale’s remarks come as Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Wale discuss regional cooperation, with one report stating Solomon Islands will begin treaty talks with Australia on a comprehensive agreement. Several sources note the 2022 China security deal has drawn concern from Australia and the United States because it reportedly opens the door to Chinese security presence in the South Pacific. Wale describes his position in personal terms when asked about the China arrangement, saying he has been “praying and fasting” about the pact. The reporting is consistent that the immediate policy step announced by Wale is a formal review of the China agreement, while negotiations with Australia are presented as an accompanying priority.
Solomon Islands PM says country will review 2022 security pact with China
Solomon Islands’ newly elected Prime Minister Matthew Wale says his government will review a security agreement with China signed in 2022. Multiple outlets report Wale frames the move as part of a bro...
- Matthew Wale, the new Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, says the country will review its 2022 security pact with China.
- The 2022 agreement is described by multiple sources as contentious and as allowing the possibility of Chinese forces in the South Pacific.
- Wale says he is seeking a “reset” in Solomon Islands’ relationship with Australia after a period of deeper ties with China.
- At talks involving Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Wale indicates Solomon Islands will also examine other security agreements.
- One report says Solomon Islands will begin discussions with Australia about a new, comprehensive treaty.
The Solomon Islands' new leader says the country will review its secretive security treaty with China
2 months agoCANBERRA — New Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale said Wednesday he would be reviewing a secretive 2022 security pact with Beijing, which rattled Canberra and Washington by opening the door to Chinese forces in the South Pacific. Asked about that pact alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the Solomons leader — who was elected last month — said he had been “praying and fasting” about the Chinese security deal. “We are going to be reviewing, as we are reviewing other security agreements that we have with many other countries,” he said. READ: Solomons ‘unfairly targeted’ since recognizing China, its […]...Keep on reading: Solomon Islands PM says to review secretive security pact with China
2 months agoThe Solomon Islands' new leader says the country will review its secretive security treaty with China
2 months agoSolomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale said Wednesday he would be “reviewing” his country’s secretive 2022 security pact with China, which rattled Canberra and Washington. Asked about that pact alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the Solomons leader said he had been “praying and fasting” about the Chinese security deal and it would be examined […]
2 months agoSolomon Islands leader Matthew Wale said he was seeking a “reset” in the relationship with Australia after a period dominated by deepening ties to China.
2 months ago
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