Opinion | Why the China-Solomon Islands pact is making waves in the Pacific

If Chinese security cooperation and economic largesse bring stability and prosperity to the islands, the message will resonate across the Pacific

However, the strong reaction of the region’s traditional powers could have a chilling effect on other countries eyeing a deal with China as domestic and international pressure rises

Reading Time:4 minutes

Published: 1:30am, 4 May 2022

The Solomon Islands must have run out of red carpet after welcoming senior officials from Australia, the United States and Japan in quick succession.

The South Pacific archipelago might not have anticipated the intense reaction to its recent security agreement with China, especially from the region’s traditional powers. But while this accord was not China’s first foray into Oceania, a foothold in the Solomons will be a milestone in its long swim across the Pacific.

China has already become the world’s largest navy by number of ships, but a dearth of overseas bases constrains its blue water ambitions. Aside from one in Djibouti at the entrance to the Red Sea, which opened in 2017, the country has no other official bases abroad. In contrast, the United States has about 800 bases around the world.

As Beijing is not into formal alliances and permanent bases are controversial, it might seek to address its handicap by securing access agreements with geographically strategic countries. Coastal and island states of the Indo-Pacific are natural targets as they would provide the Chinese navy with ideal locations to set up logistics facilities, replenish supplies and temporarily house crews.

Such arrangements also help foster defence ties with host countries which can translate into arms sales, joint drills or patrols and even clandestine basing rights. From this angle, the China-Solomons security pact represents a breakthrough. However, the attention it drew means its implementation will come under severe scrutiny.

While China established official ties with the Solomon Islands in 2019, the new pact could provide some assurance to Chinese investors and tourists who may now flock to the country. Beijing is likely eager to reward Honiara for dropping its recognition of Taipei.

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