Australia deploys minister to the Solomon Islands

Western allies fear a Chinese military presence in the South Pacific if a contentious security agreement is signed by the Solomon Islands. On Tuesday, Australia’s Pacific Minister was sent to the islands.

Minister Zed Seselja’s office has confirmed that he will come to Honiara, despite Australia’s federal election campaign being in full swing.

Seselja stated in a statement that he plans to address the Solomon Islands-China security deal.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare would “love to meet” with Australian Foreign Minister Peter Dutton in Honiara, according to an AFP official.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that portions of the security accord would enable for Chinese forces to be stationed in the Solomon Islands, causing consternation amongst the people there.

A naval station in the South Pacific would give China’s navy the ability to project force well beyond its boundaries, which has long been of concern to the United States and Australia.

In the words of Solomon Islands Prime Minister Sogavare, his administration has “no intention” of asking China to create a military facility in the country.

The final security deal between China and the Solomon Islands was reached late last month, but the document has yet to be made public.

According to a leaked draught, Chinese police might be sent to the Solomon Islands at the request of the government there in order to preserve “social order.”

If neither side had formal permission from the other to make the missions public, neither would be able to.

Australian intelligence leaders and Solomon Islands officials met in Honiara last week to discuss the security cooperation, and Seselja’s visit follows.

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