Japan and island nations worried about China-Solomon security treaty

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi (right) meets with President Surangel Whipps of Palau in Palau on May 8 – Photo: KYODO

According to Kyodo News, psinging in an online press conference from Palau, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said that the security treaty between China – Solomon could have a “significant impact” on the security of the Pacific.

“Japan is concerned that the agreement regarding security cooperation between China and the Solomon Islands could have a significant impact on the security environment of this region. These Pacific island nations (Fiji and Palau) also showed the same view,” Mr. Hayashi said on May 8.

Grandfather Hayashi announced Japan will strengthen cooperation with the US, Australia and New Zealand to ensure stability and prosperity in the region.

Mr. Hayashi made the above comments after holding talks with Palau President Surangel Whipps in Palau. On May 7, the Japanese foreign minister also met with Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama in the Fijian capital Suva.

According to Kyodo News, Mr. Hayashi’s visit comes as a security treaty between China and the Solomon Islands makes other small Pacific island nations more alert to a growing military presence. Beijing’s growth in the region.

The signing of a security pact between China and the Solomons in April has heated up the Pacific Ocean. Their leaked draft security agreement contained provisions allowing Chinese troops and police to enter the Solomons as well as allowing Chinese ships to resupply there. To date, China and Solomon have not officially announced the details of this agreement.

According to the newspaper Financial Timesif the Chinese navy gains a foothold in the Solomon Islands, it could block maritime access routes to Australia, both commercially and militarily.

Recently, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng affirmed that the China-Solomon security treaty is “open, transparent, and does not target third parties”.