US warns of military action related to China-Solomon deal

The above information was published by The Guardian newspaper on April 26.

One of the most senior US officials in the Pacific said the US would not rule out military action against the Solomon Islands if it allowed China to establish a base there. The official was concerned that the security agreement between the Solomon Islands and China poses “potential regional security implications” for the US and other allies.

According to Ambassador Daniel Kritenbrink, US assistant secretary of state for East Asia and Pacific affairs, the US delegation to the Solomon Islands last week had a “constructive and candid” 90-minute meeting. minutes with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, which detailed concerns about the recent signing of a security agreement with China by the Solomon Islands.

Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele (left) and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi signed a cooperation agreement in Beijing 2019. Photo: Reuters

“Prime Minister Sogavare pointed out that from the point of view of the Solomon Islands, the agreement they signed is only of domestic significance. But we made it clear that the agreement poses potential implications for regional security not not only for ourselves, but also for our allies and partners,” noted Ambassador Kritenbrink.

“We respect the sovereignty of the Solomon Islands, of course, but we also want to let them know that if steps are taken to establish a de facto permanent military presence, the redundancy or deployment team, we feel concerned and will respond,” added Ambassador Kritenbrink.

The Guardian newspaper reported that the text of the security agreement between China and the Solomon Islands is believed to be signed in secret, although the island’s MPs have called on the prime minister to make the agreement public.

In a statement last week, the administration of President Joe Biden warned Washington would “respond accordingly” if Beijing was allowed to establish a permanent military presence in the Solomon Islands.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morison has also drawn a “red line” when it comes to China’s involvement in the Solomon Islands.