Australia says it would keep security ties with Solomon Islands despite China pact

Australia would continue to cooperate with the Solomon Islands on matters of security even if the Pacific island nation signs a proposed security agreement with China that Australia opposes, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said on Sunday.

Payne said there are concerns about a “lack of transparency” in relation to the draft security agreement.

Canberra is concerned the security deal, details of which have not been publicised, could foreshadow a Chinese military presence fewer than 2,000km from Australia.

Despite a national election campaign putting the Australian government in caretaker mode, an Australian minister this week met with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in Honiara and asked him not to sign the proposed agreement.

Payne said the matter is “something that should be discussed in the broader Pacific Island forum context itself” and the “Pacific family” is best placed to respond to regional security issues.