This move is expected to pave the way for China to establish a military presence in the South Pacific, leading to the possibility of militarization in the region.
According to an update from Australian media this morning, Minister for International Development and the Pacific Zed Seselja will make an unscheduled visit to the Solomon Islands today to further express Australia’s concerns over the agreement. Solomon Islands security agreement with China.
Mr. Seselja’s visit comes as China and the Solomon Islands are preparing to sign an agreement to strengthen cooperation in the field of security, including allowing Chinese naval vessels to regularly visit presence in the Solomon Islands, and China could also send troops and police to ensure the security of its interests in the Pacific island nation.
Notably, Australian media yesterday reported on China’s proposal to add 10 security personnel equipped with lethal weapons including pistols and automatic rifles to ensure the embassy’s safety. and its diplomatic personnel in the Solomon Islands. Although the host country’s government has rejected China’s proposal, this move further worries the Australian government.
In the context that Australia is preparing for the federal parliamentary elections, it is considered rare and unusual for a government official to travel abroad on business, demonstrating the country’s anxiety about the possibility of a security agreement. between China and the Solomon Islands will be signed at a time when Australia is busy for the election.
Ahead of the visit by Pacific Minister Seselja, Australia sent two senior intelligence officials to the Solomon Islands and spoke with host Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare. However, the visit did not have positive results because after the meeting, Prime Minister Sogavare stated that he did not intend to stop signing a security agreement with China.
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