Australian PM promises to ‘make sure’ Solomon has no Chinese military base

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison (right) debates with opposition Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese on May 8 – Photo: REUTERS

According to Reuters news agency, Prime Minister Morrison made the statement during the heated debate before the election on May 21.

Observers say China’s growing influence in the Pacific has become a hot political issue in Australia ahead of the election.

In April, Beijing announced it had signed a security treaty with the Solomons.

Details of the China-Solomon deal have not been released. But a leaked draft has made countries in the region wary, especially the terms that allow the deployment of the Chinese navy to the Solomons. This island nation is less than 2,000km from Australia.

The deal has raised concerns that China could establish a military base in the island nation, although the Solomons government insists that will not happen.

Mr Morrison was criticized for not preventing China from signing an agreement in an area where Australia already has great influence.

The Australian Prime Minister has warned that setting up a Chinese military base in the Solomons would cross a “red line”.

Asked about the meaning of a “red line” in the May 8 debate, Mr Morrison said: “Australia will work with our partners to ensure that such a situation does not arise”.

However, Mr Morrison noted it would be “unwise” to speculate about specific measures Australia could take to prevent the establishment of a military base in the Solomons.

“The Solomon Islands government has made it very clear to us that it is not the outcome they are seeking or supporting. I believe that having such a presence is not in their national interest.” Mr. Morrison emphasized.

In a heated debate on May 8, the Australian prime minister and opposition leader also talked about the rising cost of living, the best way to tackle global warming and anti-corruption measures. .