U.S. warns Solomon Islands of action over pact with China
2 years, 8 months ago

U.S. warns Solomon Islands of action over pact with China

LA Times  

The Biden administration on Thursday warned the Solomon Islands that the United States will take unspecified action against the South Pacific nation should its recently concluded cooperation agreement with China pose a threat to U.S. or allied interests. “Solomon Islands representatives indicated that the agreement had solely domestic applications, but the U.S. delegation noted there are potential regional security implications of the accord, including for the United States and its allies and partners,” the White House said in a statement. “If steps are taken to establish a de facto permanent military presence, power-projection capabilities, or a military installation, the delegation noted that the United States would then have significant concerns and respond accordingly.” There was no indication of what the U.S. response might be. The White House statement noted that Solomons Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare had assured the U.S. there would be no long-term Chinese presence on the islands and no power projection capability but stressed that the U.S. would “follow developments closely in consultation with regional partners.” A draft of the pact, which was leaked online, said Chinese warships could stop in the Solomon Islands for logistical replenishment and China could send police and armed forces there “to assist in maintaining social order.” The Solomons and China have not released the final version of the agreement.

China Chinese Islands Delegation Solomon Island Solomon Islands Solomon Solomons  solomon  solomons  white  agreement  pact  islands  delegation  china  united  house  action  states  warns

History of this topic

Solomon Islands PM Manele’s Foreign Visits: More Than a Mere Balancing Act
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Solomon Islands PM Manele’s Foreign Visits: More Than a Mere Balancing Act

The Diplomat  

Caught in the eye of a geopolitical storm, the Solomon Islands is back in the news, this time over newly elected Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele’s first foreign visits since taking office in May. Manele’s choice to visit Canberra before Beijing elevated hopes held by many that the “more diplomatic” leader values rebalancing Honiara’s foreign policy, which tipped in favor of …

Solomon Islands’ New Government: A Chance to Reset Australia’s Pacific Diplomacy
5 months ago

Solomon Islands’ New Government: A Chance to Reset Australia’s Pacific Diplomacy

The Diplomat  

The meeting between Solomon Islands’ new Prime Minister Jeremiah Manale and Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles in Honiara on May 21 suggested that the change in leadership in the island nation may have given the two governments an opportunity to reset their relationship. On this front, Marles' trip to Solomon Islands seemed to show that Canberra’s ties with the …

Solomon Islands and China are strengthening ties in a worrying move for US and its Pacific allies
5 months, 1 week ago

Solomon Islands and China are strengthening ties in a worrying move for US and its Pacific allies

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Solomon Islands’ new prime …

Regional countries must guard against US ploy to destabilize Asia-Pacific
8 months, 1 week ago

Regional countries must guard against US ploy to destabilize Asia-Pacific

China Daily  

JIN DING/CHINA DAILY Though hyped as a forum for fostering "peace and security" in the Asia-Pacific region, the just concluded US-Japan-Philippines summit on Thursday actually served as a sharp reminder of Washington's divisive policy of inciting conflict and strife in Asia. Amid flaring tensions in the South China Sea, the White House on Thursday escalated its provocative stance by claiming …

New Zealand lobbied French on Solomon Islands-China pact, cables show
9 months, 3 weeks ago

New Zealand lobbied French on Solomon Islands-China pact, cables show

Al Jazeera  

New Zealand officials hoped French Polynesia and New Caledonia would respond to security pact, documents show. New Zealand diplomats in New Caledonia’s capital Noumea noted in their reports to Wellington that neither French Polynesia nor New Caledonia “is likely to take a public position” on the deal. After a meeting with New Caledonia’s High Commissioner Patrice Faure on March 30, …

Washington's overreaction in Pacific is telling: China Daily editorial
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Washington's overreaction in Pacific is telling: China Daily editorial

China Daily  

Reports that up to a dozen Chinese police officers are working in the remote atoll nation of Kiribati have again touched a nerve of the China hawks in Washington, obsessed as they are with their zero-sum game and geopolitical rivalry. A US State Department spokesperson warned the Pacific island country on Monday that it should not "import security forces from …

US could lose strategic Pacific islands to China over blocked funding
9 months, 4 weeks ago

US could lose strategic Pacific islands to China over blocked funding

The Telegraph  

United States defence officials have warned the US may lose ground to China if it does not grant funding to vital island nations used by the military in the Pacific. The blocked funding coincides with a concerted drive by Beijing to shift the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region in its favour, including over the sensitive issue of Taiwan’s …

In the Solomon Islands, a US agency’s struggles hint at China’s influence
1 year ago

In the Solomon Islands, a US agency’s struggles hint at China’s influence

Al Jazeera  

The Peace Corps has yet to return to Pacific island nation more than four years after Washington touted its return. “The Chinese influenced the Solomon Islands cabinet’s decision to pause approval for the Peace Corps to return to the islands,” a former US official, who is familiar with the negotiations to bring back the Peace Corps, told Al Jazeera on …

China sending more police, donating equipment including drones to Solomon Islands for Pacific Games
1 year, 1 month ago

China sending more police, donating equipment including drones to Solomon Islands for Pacific Games

ABC  

Concern is mounting in Canberra after Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare announced that China is sending additional police to the country to help provide security for the Pacific Games. Key points: The prospect of a larger Chinese police presence in Solomon Islands will worry Australian officials Australia has sent a sizeable contingent of police and ADF personnel to Honiara, …

US to open embassies in the Cook Islands, Niue
1 year, 3 months ago

US to open embassies in the Cook Islands, Niue

Al Jazeera  

Announcement comes as US President Joe Biden prepares to host a second summit with Pacific Island leaders in Washington DC. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden would use the summit to strengthen “ties with the Pacific Islands and discuss how we address complex global challenges, like tackling the existential threat of climate change, advancing economic growth, and promoting …

US Pacific Policy in China’s Shadow
1 year, 3 months ago

US Pacific Policy in China’s Shadow

The Diplomat  

There has been a flurry of Pacific Islands-related press releases coming out of the United States Department of State this year. On May 22 and 23 alone, the State Department issued four major read-outs: “The United States and Papua New Guinea Sign New Defense Cooperation Agreement,” “U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Dialogue in Papua New Guinea,” “Secretary Blinken Witnesses the Signing …

Can China Deliver What Solomon Islands Wants?
1 year, 3 months ago

Can China Deliver What Solomon Islands Wants?

The Diplomat  

Solomon Islands has denied its new security pact with China poses a threat to the Pacific, and has criticized Australia for withdrawing funding for vital services. In July, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare inked a raft of deals during a trip to China, upgrading the two nations’ relationship to a “comprehensive strategic partnership.” The deal comes four years after …

China signs pact with Solomon Islands to boost cooperation on ‘law enforcement and security matters’
1 year, 5 months ago

China signs pact with Solomon Islands to boost cooperation on ‘law enforcement and security matters’

Associated Press  

BEIJING — The Solomon Islands has signed an agreement to boost cooperation with China on “law enforcement and security matters,” in a move likely to raise concerns among the South Pacific island’s traditional partners including Australia, New Zealand and the United States. The Chinese side will continue to provide support and help to Solomon Islands as needed in strengthening Solomon …

China, Solomon Islands elevate ‘strategic’ ties
1 year, 5 months ago

China, Solomon Islands elevate ‘strategic’ ties

Al Jazeera  

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare announced the launch of a comprehensive strategic partnership on Monday afternoon, a year after striking a security deal that set off a scramble from the United States and its allies to counter Beijing’s growing influence in the Pacific Islands region. “We are here to further boost relations,” Sogavare told …

Despite Biden’s Absence, US Makes Inroads With Pacific Islands
1 year, 6 months ago

Despite Biden’s Absence, US Makes Inroads With Pacific Islands

The Diplomat  

While disappointment lingered over U.S. President Joe Biden’s decision to cancel his trip to Papua New Guinea last month, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken attended meetings in Port Moresby in his stead. Among the major deliverables, the United States signed a new security pact with Papua New Guinea, seen as a key victory in the competition with China for …

US signs new security pact with Papua New Guinea amid competition with China
1 year, 7 months ago

US signs new security pact with Papua New Guinea amid competition with China

Associated Press  

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea — The United States signed a new security pact with Papua New Guinea on Monday as it competes with China for influence in the Pacific. The State Department said the new agreement provides a framework to help improve security cooperation, enhance the capacity of Papua New Guinea’s defense force and increase regional stability. Papua New …

U.S. signs new security pact with Papua New Guinea amid competition with China
1 year, 7 months ago

U.S. signs new security pact with Papua New Guinea amid competition with China

LA Times  

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, left, shakes hands with Papua New Guinean Prime Minister James Marape at a meeting Monday in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The U.S. signed a new security pact with Papua New Guinea on Monday as it competes with China for influence in the Pacific. The State Department said the new agreement provides a framework …

China renews warnings as Taiwan’s Tsai stops over in US
1 year, 8 months ago

China renews warnings as Taiwan’s Tsai stops over in US

Associated Press  

BEIJING — As Taiwan’s president began a stopover in the United States on her way to Central America, China said it was closely watching and would “resolutely safeguard our sovereignty and territorial integrity.” China claims Taiwan as its own territory, to be brought under its control by force if necessary, and portrays the self-governing island democracy of 23 million people …

‘Symbol of renewal’: US reopens Solomon Islands embassy
1 year, 10 months ago

‘Symbol of renewal’: US reopens Solomon Islands embassy

Al Jazeera  

The US has been stepping up engagement with the Pacific amid concerns about China’s influence in the region. It announced its intention to reopen the diplomatic mission after it emerged in April 2022 that the Solomon Islands had agreed to a secret security pact with China. The Solomon Islands had switched diplomatic ties to Beijing from self-ruled Taiwan, which China …

US moves to reopen Solomon Islands embassy to counter China
1 year, 11 months ago

US moves to reopen Solomon Islands embassy to counter China

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration is plowing ahead with plans to re-open the U.S. embassy in the Solomon Islands in a bid to counter China’s increasing assertiveness in the Pacific. The department notified lawmakers nearly a year ago that China’s growing influence in the region made re-opening the U.S. embassy in the Solomon Islands a priority. “We are seeing this …

US moves to reopen Solomon Islands embassy to counter China
1 year, 11 months ago

US moves to reopen Solomon Islands embassy to counter China

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Solomon Islands PM says foreign military sites ‘never’ allowed
2 years, 2 months ago

Solomon Islands PM says foreign military sites ‘never’ allowed

Al Jazeera  

Manasseh Sogavare said he would not do anything that undermines national security or jeopardises regional stability. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has said that foreign military installations will never be established in his country, an apparent reference to a security pact he signed with China earlier this year. “Solomon Islands will not do anything that will undermine its own …

Solomon Islands agreed to accord after China references axed
2 years, 2 months ago

Solomon Islands agreed to accord after China references axed

Associated Press  

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Solomon Islands agreed to sign an accord between the United States and more than a dozen Pacific nations only after indirect references to China were removed, the Solomon Islands foreign minister said Tuesday. Ahead of the summit, diplomats had said Solomon Islands was signaling it was unlikely to sign the joint declaration, which would have represented …

Biden vows US commitment to Pacific Islands at summit
2 years, 2 months ago

Biden vows US commitment to Pacific Islands at summit

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden on Thursday told visiting leaders from more than a dozen Pacific Island countries that the U.S. was committed to bolstering its presence in their region and becoming a more collaborative partner as they face the “existential threat” of climate change. “And the Pacific Islands are a critical voice in shaping the future, and that’s why …

US, Pacific Island leaders vow to strengthen ties with historic partnership declaration amid growing China risks
2 years, 2 months ago

US, Pacific Island leaders vow to strengthen ties with historic partnership declaration amid growing China risks

ABC  

The United States and Pacific island nations have unveiled a historic joint partnership declaration, vowing to strengthen ties amid growing concerns of China's role in the region. Key points: The White House said the announcements amount to more than $US810 million in new expanded programs The US said pressure and coercion from China risks "undermining the peace, prosperity, and security …

US has agreed Pacific Islands deal, offering ‘big dollar numbers’
2 years, 2 months ago

US has agreed Pacific Islands deal, offering ‘big dollar numbers’

Al Jazeera  

The US is looking to reengage in a region where China has been steadily expanding its influence. The United States says it has agreed on a partnership with the Pacific Islands that offers the prospect of “big dollar” help to a region where China has been expanding its influence. Among the measures, the US plans to expand its diplomatic footprint …

Solomon Islands refusing to sign 11-point declaration at historic Pacific-US meeting
2 years, 2 months ago

Solomon Islands refusing to sign 11-point declaration at historic Pacific-US meeting

ABC  

Solomon Islands has signalled it won't sign on to an 11-point declaration between the United States and Pacific Island nations this week, dealing a blow to the White House ahead of a high-profile presidential summit with Pacific leaders in Washington. Key points: The declaration is expected to be signed when US President Joe Biden and Pacific leaders meet this week …

China strategy in Pacific islands a cause for US concern: Report
2 years, 3 months ago

China strategy in Pacific islands a cause for US concern: Report

Al Jazeera  

To counter China’s growing influence in the Pacific the US should bolster support for island states, new report states. To counter China’s growing influence in the region, the US should bolster support for island states in the north Pacific where it had the strongest historical ties, the report suggests. “Perhaps to a greater extent than any other geographic area, the …

No response to US coastguard request to refuel in Solomon Islands
2 years, 3 months ago

No response to US coastguard request to refuel in Solomon Islands

Al Jazeera  

Ship was on patrol for regional fisheries agency when port visit request was made amid tension over China security pact. The USCGC Oliver Henry was on patrol for illegal fishing in the South Pacific for a regional fisheries agency when it failed to obtain entry to refuel at Honiara, the Solomon Islands capital, a US Coast Guard press officer told …

Beijing's actions not limited to South China Sea, says Taiwan foreign minister | Exclusive
2 years, 4 months ago

Beijing's actions not limited to South China Sea, says Taiwan foreign minister | Exclusive

India Today  

In an exclusive interview with India Today, Taiwan’s foreign minister Joseph Wu took aim at Beijing and said the democracies of the world must unite to counter China’s hegemonic activities. Wu’s defiant stance comes at a time when tensions between Taiwan and China are at an all-time high after Beijing took umbrage against US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to …

Why China is deepening its Solomon Islands ties by funding $66 million Huawei deal
2 years, 4 months ago

Why China is deepening its Solomon Islands ties by funding $66 million Huawei deal

Firstpost  

The deal marks the first financing the island’s country has received from Beijing since it signed a secretive security pact in April, following the severing of diplomatic links to Taiwan Sydney: The Solomon Islands said Thursday that it had secured a $66 million loan from China to fund tech giant Huawei building 161 telecommunications towers across the Pacific nation. The …

In Pacific islands, US diplomatic push stirs memories of neglect
2 years, 5 months ago

In Pacific islands, US diplomatic push stirs memories of neglect

Al Jazeera  

As United States Vice President Kamala Harris unveiled a major ramping up of US aid and diplomacy in Pacific island countries on Wednesday, she acknowledged that they had not always received the “attention and support that you deserve”. Speaking after Harris’ announcement, Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama said the US “is certainly looking a lot more like the Pacific partner …

Can the US Respond to the Pacific’s Rise and Woes?
2 years, 6 months ago

Can the US Respond to the Pacific’s Rise and Woes?

The Diplomat  

As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine brings back the tensions of the Cold War, China’s foray into the Pacific Islands is bringing back memories of World War II. Beijing’s intentions for the region at a time of heightened tensions between the United States and China have been unsettling not just for Washington, but for the region at large. Granted, the White …

US officials find China-Solomon Islands security deal 'very troubling', internal emails reveal
2 years, 6 months ago

US officials find China-Solomon Islands security deal 'very troubling', internal emails reveal

ABC  

United States officials described the signing of a security pact between China and Solomon Islands as "very troubling" in internal emails, a freedom of information request has revealed. Key points: In emails, US officials said the deal's signing was "troubling" and "very unfortunate" The West has voiced concerns the deal could open the door for a potential military presence in …

‘Very troubling’: Emails reveal US alarm over China-Solomons pact
2 years, 6 months ago

‘Very troubling’: Emails reveal US alarm over China-Solomons pact

Al Jazeera  

Officials at the US foreign aid agency reacted with alarm to news of a controversial security pact between China and the Solomon Islands, describing the agreement as “very troubling” and “unfortunate”, newly released internal emails show. “The press and academia in Canberra and Wellington are making those same comparisons from 2019, too, referring that again we got ‘played’ by the …

Penny Wong to visit New Zealand, Solomon Islands amid concern over climate change, China security pact
2 years, 6 months ago

Penny Wong to visit New Zealand, Solomon Islands amid concern over climate change, China security pact

ABC  

Foreign Minister Penny Wong will travel to New Zealand and Solomon Islands this week to discuss climate change and regional security in what will be her third visit to the Pacific since being sworn in last month. Key points: Senator Wong will meet her Wellington counterpart Nanaia Mahuta on Thursday On Friday she will visit Honiara to meet Solomon Islands …

Xi Jinping announces plans to allow Chinese military to undertake 'armed forces operations' abroad
2 years, 6 months ago

Xi Jinping announces plans to allow Chinese military to undertake 'armed forces operations' abroad

ABC  

Analysts say China's leader Xi Jinping has set the legal basis for an expansion of the Chinese military's role in other countries, just weeks after Beijing signed a security pact with Solomon Islands. With little published detail, Mr Xi's government declared he had signed off on a set of new trial outlines that allowed for Chinese "armed forces operations" that …

China and the Pacific Step Up
2 years, 6 months ago

China and the Pacific Step Up

Hindustan Times  

In the recent Australian elections on May 21, 2022, we saw China dominating the domestic politics during the election campaigns. The leaked document revealed the South Pacific Island’s unprecedented level of security cooperation with Beijing which includes the latter’s right to access naval facilities in the Solomon Islands for resupply/logistical replenishments and stopover transitions. The advantage of a base for …

China, Pacific islands unable to reach consensus on security pact
2 years, 6 months ago

China, Pacific islands unable to reach consensus on security pact

The Hindu  

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi on May 30 urged the Pacific region not to be "too anxious" about his country's aims after a meeting in Fiji with his counterparts from 10 island nations was unable to agree to a sweeping trade and security communique. Wang hosted the meeting with Foreign Ministers from Pacific island nations with diplomatic ties with China …

China’s Pacific tour spurs hopes and fears in tiny island nations
2 years, 6 months ago

China’s Pacific tour spurs hopes and fears in tiny island nations

Al Jazeera  

Countries such as Vanuatu and Kiribati expected to seek Wang Yi’s support for development and infrastructure. Will a proposed agreement on developing the “blue economy” of the Solomon Islands allow China to exploit undersea minerals, as a third leaked document portends? On Thursday, the government in Honiara said that China and the Solomon Islands were “expected to sign a number …

U.S. aims to leverage Russia-Ukraine bloc against China
2 years, 6 months ago

U.S. aims to leverage Russia-Ukraine bloc against China

The Hindu  

United States officials say the Biden administration is aiming to lead the international bloc opposed to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine into a broader coalition to counter what it sees as a more serious, long-term threat to global order from China. While the U.S. sees Russia as the most acute and immediate threat to international stability, the officials said the administration …

Chinese FM to visit Solomon Islands amid security pact worry
2 years, 7 months ago

Chinese FM to visit Solomon Islands amid security pact worry

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Solomon Islands this week in what the South Pacific nation’s leader said was a “milestone” in his country’s relationship with China, amid concerns that their new security pact could allow Chinese military personnel on the islands. Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, in a one-on-one meeting, expressed concern about China’s …

Chinese ambassador says Solomons pact no threat to Australia
2 years, 7 months ago

Chinese ambassador says Solomons pact no threat to Australia

Associated Press  

CANBERRA, Australia — A Chinese ambassador says China’s engagement with South Pacific island countries poses no threat to Australia, responding to fears that Beijing will establish a military foothold in the Solomon Islands. China’s envoy to Australia, Xiao Qian, attempted to reassure his host nation in a newspaper opinion piece published Thursday as reports emerged of a planned trip by …

Australia PM to ‘ensure’ no Chinese base on Solomon Islands
2 years, 7 months ago

Australia PM to ‘ensure’ no Chinese base on Solomon Islands

Al Jazeera  

China’s growing clout in the Pacific has become a hot political issue in Australia ahead of May 21 elections. Australia will work with its allies to ensure China does not set up a military base in the Solomon Islands, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has pledged during a heated pre-election debate. Pressed during the Sunday debate on what that red line …

Why Solomon Islands' deal with Beijing is different to past agreements with Pacific nations
2 years, 7 months ago

Why Solomon Islands' deal with Beijing is different to past agreements with Pacific nations

ABC  

The new pact between China and Solomon Islands that has sent alarm bells ringing in Australia and the United States is not the first security agreement Beijing has inked with a Pacific nation. Dr Morgan said past partnerships between China and Pacific nations had prompted concerns in Australia, but nothing like the "sky high" response to the recent Solomon Islands …

Solomon Islands PM Manasseh Sogavare blasts Australia over criticism of China security deal
2 years, 7 months ago

Solomon Islands PM Manasseh Sogavare blasts Australia over criticism of China security deal

ABC  

The Solomon Islands Prime Minister has delivered a withering verbal assault on Australia, mocking the federal government's complaints about the secrecy surrounding the Pacific Island country's security pact with China Key points: Manasseh Sogavare suggested Australia was being hypocritical because it kept negotiations over the AUKUS pact top secret He also delivered his strongest criticisms yet of the security agreement …

China dismisses speculation about plans for Solomon Islands military base
2 years, 7 months ago

China dismisses speculation about plans for Solomon Islands military base

ABC  

Beijing has dismissed speculation it intends to build a military base on Solomon Islands after signing a security agreement with the Pacific nation. Key points: Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said the military base claims were "completely fabricated" He also slammed the AUKUS trilateral security pact between Australia, the US and UK as a "backroom deal" Scott Morrison has …

Explained | Why has the China-Solomon Islands deal become the latest flashpoint between China and the U.S.?
2 years, 8 months ago

Explained | Why has the China-Solomon Islands deal become the latest flashpoint between China and the U.S.?

The Hindu  

The story so far: China’s government said on April 19 it had signed a security deal with the Solomon Islands. Giving China a strategic foothold in the Pacific, the agreement evoked concern from Australia and the United States, which despatched top officials earlier this week to the Solomon Islands, emerging as the latest flashpoint between the world’s two biggest powers. …

US warns Solomon Islands of action over pact with China
2 years, 8 months ago

US warns Solomon Islands of action over pact with China

Associated Press  

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — The Biden administration on Thursday warned the Solomon Islands that the United States will take unspecified action against the South Pacific nation should its recently concluded cooperation agreement with China pose a threat to U.S. or allied interests. The delegation expressed concern that the deal with China raises questions about its scope and purpose, according to …

Discover Related