‘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 PM.” In a separate email thread on April 19, Callahan noted that some observers on social media believed the signing of the pact was deliberately carried out before the arrival of a bipartisan delegation of US legislators to the archipelago. Tess Newton Cain, project lead for the Pacific Hub at the Griffith Asia Institute in Brisbane, Australia, said Washington’s moves to ramp up engagement with Pacific Island states come after years of being “largely absent”. “In Solomon Islands, there has been a long, drawn-out process towards implementing an MCC project which would likely have a big impact – the one in Vanuatu certainly did – but seems to be taking forever to get going,” Newton Cain added, referring to the Millennium Challenge Corporation, a US aid agency that operates independently of USAID and the US State Department.

Security China Pacific Island Pacific Chinese Callahan Island Islands Honiara Solomon Islands Solomon Pact Usaid Newton Cain Troubling Emails  email  alarm  pacific  usaid  solomon  chinasolomons  security  island  pact  china  chinese  islands  reveal  troubling  emails

History of this topic

Pacific bloc backs joint police plan, maintains Taiwan ties
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Pacific bloc backs joint police plan, maintains Taiwan ties

The Hindu  

Pacific leaders endorsed a major joint policing initiative and rebuffed moves from China's allies to sideline Taiwan on Friday, as they wrapped up a regional summit in Tonga. Security was a focal point at this year's Pacific Islands Forum, an unwieldy bloc of U.S. partners, China friends and states still tied to Taiwan. China's closest Pacific friend, Solomon Islands, also …

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 …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 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 …

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 …

China brought a major initiative to Pacific Island nations. It has the U.S. worried
2 years, 6 months ago

China brought a major initiative to Pacific Island nations. It has the U.S. worried

NPR  

China brought a major initiative to Pacific Island nations. It has the U.S. worried China's foreign minister recently wrapped up a visit to eight Pacific island nations, raising alarm in the U.S. and its allies. China's foreign minister recently wrapped up a visit to eight Pacific Island nations, and that has raised alarm in the U.S. and among its allies. …

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 …

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 …

Marise Payne meets with Solomon Islands for first time since Pacific nation signed security pact with China
2 years, 7 months ago

Marise Payne meets with Solomon Islands for first time since Pacific nation signed security pact with China

ABC  

Foreign Minister Marise Payne has met with her Solomon Islands counterpart for the first time since the Pacific nation signed a controversial security pact with China. Key points: Marise Payne met with Solomon Islands counterpart Jeremiah Manele in Brisbane on Friday night Trade Minister Dan Tehan says the countries agreed Australia remained Solomon Islands' security partner of choice The federal …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Solomon Islands leader defends new security pact with China
2 years, 8 months ago

Solomon Islands leader defends new security pact with China

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — The Solomon Islands prime minister confirmed Wednesday that his government has signed a new security agreement with China, but told lawmakers it would not “undermine the peace and harmony of our region” as has been feared by the opposition and countries including the United States and Australia. The security pact allows China to send police and military personnel …

China's security pact with Solomon Islands has poked Morrison squarely in the eye
2 years, 8 months ago

China's security pact with Solomon Islands has poked Morrison squarely in the eye

ABC  

You've got to hand it to Beijing. Yet under Morrison's watch, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has spurned concerted Australian pressure to seal a security agreement that undermines long-standing regional objectives. PM defends handling of Solomon Islands deal Photo shows Scott Morrison sitting looking to his left with his hand over his mouth, while he concentrates on something The …

Scott Morrison pushes back on claims the government bungled security relationship with Solomon Islands
2 years, 8 months ago

Scott Morrison pushes back on claims the government bungled security relationship with Solomon Islands

ABC  

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has rejected accusations that the Coalition has bungled a key security relationship, after Solomon Islands shrugged off warnings from Australia and signed a new pact with China. Key points: Australia's Minister for the Pacific was sent to Solomon Islands last week to try to convince its government to walk away from the deal Shadow Foreign Minister …

Why is the Solomon Islands-China security pact causing alarm?
2 years, 8 months ago

Why is the Solomon Islands-China security pact causing alarm?

Al Jazeera  

The Solomon Islands prime minister has been defending the just-signed pact to the country’s parliament amid concern from Canberra to Washington. Sogavare told parliament the agreement with Beijing was necessary to deal with the Solomon Islands’s “internal security situation”. “Australia completely misjudged the implications of China’s rise in the early 2010s, and the reassessment has been slow and equivocal, and …

China, Solomon Islands sign landmark security pact
2 years, 8 months ago

China, Solomon Islands sign landmark security pact

The Hindu  

China said on Tuesday it had signed a security pact with the Solomon Islands, a first-of-its-kind arrangement that could pave the way for further Chinese security deals overseas. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Jeremiah Manele of the Solomon Islands signed an inter-governmental framework agreement on security …

China, Solomon Islands pact would set 'concerning precedent', United States warns
2 years, 8 months ago

China, Solomon Islands pact would set 'concerning precedent', United States warns

ABC  

The United States has warned a proposed security pact between Solomon Islands and China may destabilise the Pacific Island nation and set a "concerning precedent" for the region. Key points: A top US official will lead a delegation to Solomon Islands later this week A State Department spokesman says the pact with China could "increase destabilisation" within Solomon Islands The …

China says it has signed security pact with Solomon Islands
2 years, 8 months ago

China says it has signed security pact with Solomon Islands

Al Jazeera  

Western governments have been concerned over China establishing a military presence in the South Pacific nation. China says it has signed a wide-ranging security pact with the Solomon Islands, just hours after the United States announced it was sending officials to the South Pacific nation amid concerns Beijing could establish a military foothold there. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin …

Western pressure mounts on Solomons to quash pact with China
2 years, 8 months ago

Western pressure mounts on Solomons to quash pact with China

Associated Press  

CANBERRA, Australia: — Australia and the United States are stepping up diplomatic outreach to the Solomon Islands after China signed a security deal with the South Pacific island nation that could lead to Beijing establishing a military presence there. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Wednesday that his minister for International Development and the Pacific, Zed Seselja, had flown to …

China Spreads its Tentacles in Australia's Backyard as the World Looks Away
2 years, 8 months ago

China Spreads its Tentacles in Australia's Backyard as the World Looks Away

News 18  

China, Australia, and the Solomon Islands have witnessed extraordinary tensions over the Solomon Islands-China security treaty in recent months, provoking fears of a growing Chinese military presence in the region. While Prime Minister Sogavare has reiterated that the underlying reason for the treaty is his nation’s sovereignty, former Prime Minister Hon Rick Houenipwela has accused that the security treaty with …

Top US official Kurt Campbell reportedly heading to Solomon Islands to discuss Chinese security pact concerns
2 years, 8 months ago

Top US official Kurt Campbell reportedly heading to Solomon Islands to discuss Chinese security pact concerns

ABC  

United States President Joe Biden is reportedly dispatching one of his top officials to Solomon Islands as concerns grow over a soon-to-be-signed security pact with China. Key points: The Financial Times reports Kurt Campbell will travel to Solomon Islands this month He will be accompanied by a top US State Department official, Daniel Kritenbrink, for the visit Australia's Defence Minister …

China's security alliance with the Solomon Islands raises alarm throughout South Pacific
2 years, 8 months ago

China's security alliance with the Solomon Islands raises alarm throughout South Pacific

Firstpost  

A Chinese military presence in the Solomons would put it not only on the doorstep of Australia and New Zealand but also in close proximity to Guam, with its massive US military bases Wellington, New Zealand: A security alliance between China and the Solomon Islands has sent shudders throughout the South Pacific, with many worried it could set off a …

China’s security deal with Solomons raises alarm in Pacific
2 years, 8 months ago

China’s security deal with Solomons raises alarm in Pacific

Associated Press  

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — A security alliance between China and the Solomon Islands has sent shudders throughout the South Pacific, with many worried it could set off a large-scale military buildup or that Western animosity to the deal could play into China’s hands. Many believe that China’s People’s Liberation Army is busy establishing an overseas military network, even if they …

Solomon Islands says China deal won’t include military base
2 years, 8 months ago

Solomon Islands says China deal won’t include military base

Associated Press  

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Seeking to counter international fears over its new security alliance with China, the Solomon Islands said Friday it won’t allow China to build a military base there. In a statement Friday, the Solomon Islands government said that “contrary to the misinformation promoted by antigovernment commentators” the agreement did not invite China to establish a military base. …

China, Solomons ink draft of controversial security pact
2 years, 8 months ago

China, Solomons ink draft of controversial security pact

Associated Press  

BEIJING — China and the Solomon Islands have signed a draft version of a security pact that could see Chinese police and other forces take up duties in the Pacific Island nation, drawing concerns from traditional partners New Zealand, Australia and the United States. Under the terms of the draft agreement, China could send police, military personnel and other armed …

Document indicates China could boost military in Solomons
2 years, 9 months ago

Document indicates China could boost military in Solomons

The Hindu  

A leaked document indicates that China could boost its military presence in the Solomon Islands — including with ship visits — in a development that is raising alarm in nearby Australia and beyond. Under the terms of the draft agreement, China could send police, military personnel and other armed forces to the Solomons “to assist in maintaining social order” and …

Discover Related