Solomon Islands PM slams criticism of China security deal as 'very insulting'
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A proposed security pact between China and the Solomon Islands has sparked concern around the Pacific, notably in Australia and New Zealand.
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Solomon Islands PM Manasseh Sogavare (AP)
In his first comments to Parliament on the proposed treaty, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare termed international criticism of the country's security discussions with China "insulting" and those who leaked the draft deal "lunatics".
“We find it very insulting, Mr. Speaker, to be branded as unfit to manage our sovereign affairs," Sogavare said Tuesday.
A proposed security pact between China and the Solomon Islands has sparked concern around the Pacific, notably in Australia and New Zealand. The neighbors are claiming it might jeopardize regional stability.
Sogavare would provide any other information on the security agreement's contents, but when pressed later in Parliament about how far the talks had progressed, he stated that it was "ready for signing."
The PM slammed the Australian media for insinuating that China was forcing the islands into signing a treaty, slamming the assertions as "unfounded" and "very insulting".
Sogavare added that discussions in Australian media promoting an invasion of the Solomon Islands to compel a regime change do nothing to improve bilateral relations.
“We welcome any country that is willing to support us in our security space. There is no devious intention, nor secret plan – this is a decision by a sovereign nation that has its national interest at heart,” he added.
Sogavare stated that it was "utter nonsense" to claim that China's presence in the region posed a security danger.
The PM added that the Islands had previously requested Australia to build a naval base and it was refused due to Australia's defense program with Papua New Guinea, adding that the nation would not "pick sides".
In 2019, the Solomon Islands transferred diplomatic ties from Taiwan to Beijing, which fueled unrest and disturbances in the capital, Honiara, in November.
At Sogavare's request, some 200 police and troops from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea arrived in Honiara within days of the disturbances, but they were competing with China, who had also promised to deploy police.
“I would like to make it abundantly clear that the Solomon Islands’ security arrangement with Australia remains in place, intact,” he said.
“But in moving forward … to achieve our security needs, it is clear we need to diversify the country’s relationship with other partners. What is wrong with that?”
Sogavare stated that the security strategy was not implemented in a vacuum or without regard for the country's allies and that it was "sad" that it was regarded as being oblivious to external matters.
“We are now having this discussion, Mr. Speaker because some lunatics and agents of foreign regimes in the government system have no regard for secrecy. There are people who exist only to undermine the work of legitimate authorities,” Sogavare addressed Parliament.
He stated that the Solomon Islands, like other countries, wished for a peaceful and stable society, but that a lack of development, particularly in infrastructure, was jeopardizing national security. "In this context, Solomon Islands will seek partnership with friendly foreign governments.”
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison spoke with New Zealand's PM Jacinda Ardern on Tuesday, focusing on the issue of Beijing's possible security agreement with the Solomon Islands.
An Australian readout stated that "they discussed the proposed Solomon Islands-China security agreement and their shared concerns about any actions they would undermine the security and stability of the Pacific region. They discussed their ongoing commitment, as members of the Pacific family, to the Solomon Islands Assistance Force."
Canberra's relationship with Beijing has depleted over recent years and has maintained that "the Pacific family" is in the best position to give security assistance to the Solomon Islands.
As the West is growing wary of China, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia formed the AUKUS pact last year as a defense alliance to boost nuclear capabilities and "strengthen stability in the Indo-Pacific region."
