The Solomon Islands has signed an agreement with China to strengthen cooperation on law enforcement and security matters, a move that might stir concerns among its traditional allies like the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.
The New Alliance:
* This agreement followed a Monday meeting in Beijing between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Solomon Islands’ Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.
* While key specifics were not immediately released, the nations aim to enhance their law enforcement ties and build a “comprehensive strategic partnership.”
* China vowed to provide support to the Solomon Islands to strengthen their police law enforcement capacity.
Recent Relations:
* In 2019, the Solomon Islands switched its official recognition from Taiwan to Beijing, making it China’s biggest ally in the South Pacific.
* The Solomon Islands inked a secretive security pact with Beijing in 2022, which Sogavare assured would not lead to Beijing gaining a military foothold in the region.
Support and Donations:
* China has assisted the Solomon Islands by providing police training and donating replica guns and riot-control equipment.
* In light of this strengthened relationship, the U.S. is set to reopen an American Embassy in Honiara, Have the Solomon Islands’ capital.
“Belt and Road” Project:
* The Solomon Islands have secured a $66 million loan from China’s Exim Bank for the erection of 161 mobile towers built and run by Huawei.
* China is also building facilities for the Solomon Islands to host the 2023 Pacific Island Games.
Political Stance:
* In their joint statement, the Solomon Islands expressed its opposition to Taiwanese independence and supported China’s stance on various issues like Hong Kong, Tibet, and Xinjiang.
* The Solomon Islands urged other countries to handle issues such as the release of nuclear-contaminated water and nuclear submarine cooperation thoughtfully.
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