Chinese envoy says Solomon Islands pact doesn’t threaten Australia’s security

‘China’s rise should not be seen as a threat to Australia,’ Xiao Qian wrote in an opinion piece amid fears that Beijing will establish a military foothold in the Solomons

But Prime Minister Scott Morrison disagreed with Xiao, saying ‘Chinese government interference in the Pacific is of great consequence’

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Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison (right) with opposition leader Anthony Albanese ahead of the leaders’ debate in Sydney on Wednesday. Photo: AP

Published: 7:43pm, 12 May 2022

China’s ambassador to Australia said his government’s engagement with South Pacific island countries poses no threat to Canberra, responding to fears that Beijing will establish a military foothold in the Solomon Islands.

Xiao Qian attempted to reassure his host nation in a newspaper opinion piece published on Thursday as reports emerged of a planned trip by a high-level Chinese delegation to the Solomons following the completion of a bilateral security pact.

“The cooperation between China and the South Pacific island countries is conducive to people’s well-being on both sides, and regional prosperity and stability, and will by no means threaten Australia’s security,” Xiao wrote in The Australian Financial Review.

“China’s rise should not be seen as a threat to Australia,” Xiao wrote. He made no specific mention of the Solomon Islands or the security pact.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison, whose conservative government is seeking a fourth three-year term in elections next week, said he disagreed with the ambassador that “Chinese government interference in the Pacific is of no consequence.”