China refutes remarks on military bases on Solomon Islands
China's Foreign Ministry denies allegations that China is trying to establish a permanent military presence on the Solomon Islands.
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Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin
Statements about an alleged desire by China to build a military base on the Solomon Islands under the newly signed security agreement are nothing but disinformation, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Monday.
Beijing had announced last week that China and the Solomon Islands signed a security pact to enhance social stability in the isles.
Australian PM Scott Morrison said that the construction of a military base by China on the islands will be a "red line" for Australia and the US.
Australia is worried that the pact, whose details have not yet been made public, could be a step toward a Chinese military presence less than 2,000 km away.
The US, UK, and Australia had formed their AUKUS alliance amid China concerns. The alliance was based on enhancing Australia's nuclear capabilities through advanced technology and nuclear submarines in order to increase the alliance's strength in the South Pacific as China grows more influential in its region.
"The claims spread by some people with ulterior motives about the so-called Chinese military base in the Solomon Islands are misinformation," Wang told a briefing.
