US warns of action if China builds bases in Solomon Islands

(Left) Mr. Kurt Campbell and Mr. Daniel Kritenbrink reuters

During a teleconference from Washington DC to the Asia-Pacific press today, April 26, Ambassador Kritenbrink answer questions that focus on the security agreement between Solomon Islands and China was just announced a week ago.

The US diplomat said that during a 90-minute meeting with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Solomon Islands government officials on April 22, he made clear that Washington and its allies view the agreement “representative for its security implications. potential security for the region”.

“We respect the sovereignty of the Solomon Islands. However, we also want to let them know that if (China) takes steps towards establishing a de facto permanent military presence… we will be extremely concerned, and naturally we will respond,” Ambassador Kritenbrink emphasized.

He declined to elaborate on the US response in the event of a Chinese base building.

Besides, the diplomat also mentioned the “lack of transparency” about the Solomon-China security agreement, and that is why Washington is concerned.

“What exactly are the motives for this agreement? What is China’s real goal here?”, according to the ambassador.

Mr. Kritenbrink said that no one forced countries to choose between the US and the US China, but calling on the parties to share benefits to strengthen cooperation with each other.

Also during the visit to the Solomon Islands, the United States and the host country agreed to launch a high-level strategic dialogue to enhance exchanges, address common concerns, and promote practical processes around the security problem.

Earlier, the US delegation led by Mr. Kurt Campbell, coordinator of the Indo-Pacific affairs of the National Security Council, Mr. Daniel Kritenbrink visited Hawaii (USA), Fiji, Papua New Guinea in turn. and Solomon Islands. In particular, the visit to the Solomons took place after Beijing announced that it had signed a security agreement with the archipelago.