Australia will continue to work with the Solomons Islands on security issues even if the Pacific island nation signs a proposed security agreement with Australia against Australia, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said on Sunday. Canberra is concerned about a security agreement, the details of which have not been announced, could indicate the presence of Chinese troops less than 2,000 miles (1,200 miles) from Australia.
Australian government n a state of care
Despite a national election campaign that puts the Australian government in a precarious position, the Australian minister this week met with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in Honiara and asked him not to sign the proposed agreement. Asked if Australia would continue its security cooperation with the Solomons Islands if the deal goes ahead Payne told ABC television: “Yes, that is my absolute opinion and the opinion of the Pacific partners”. But there are also concerns that there has been a lack of transparency in the deal, ”Payne said.
China and the Solomon Islands
He described as “very important” recent assurances from Sogavare that no Chinese military base would be established in the Solomons Islands if the agreement with China continues. New Zealand, the United States and other Pacific island neighbors have criticized it as undermining regional stability.
U.S. partners in Australia
The agreement has raised concerns between American partners Australia and New Zealand over Chinese influence in the region where they have held power for decades. Beijing this week said security ties between China and the Pacific nation were not intended by a third party and were not in conflict with the Solomons Islands co-operation with other countries.
READ ALSO : Ukraine and Russia: Current Updates
