PoliticsFederalPacific diplomacyPrint articleAustralia ready to help Solomons build a defence force: MarlesAndrew TillettForeign affairs, defence correspondentMay 20, 2024 – 5.27pmSaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy linkCopiedEmailLinkedInTwitterFacebookCopy linkCopiedShare via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? LoginAustralia is poised to help Solomon Islands establish its own military, as Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles embarks on a charm offensive with the country’s newly elected and China-friendly leader Jeremiah Manele.Jeremiah Manele. APLoading...Andrew Tillett writes on politics, foreign affairs, defence and security from the Canberra press gallery. Connect with Andrew on Facebook and Twitter. Email Andrew at andrew.tillett@afr.comSaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy linkCopiedEmailLinkedInTwitterFacebookCopy linkCopiedShare via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? LoginLicense articleIntroducing your NewsfeedFollow the topics, people and companies that matter to you.Find out moreRead MorePacific diplomacySolomon IslandsRichard MarlesAustralia's China challengeLatest In FederalFetching latest articlesMost Viewed In PoliticsThe Australian Financial Review MagazineThe 25 new watches you need to know nowLuke Benedictus and Bani McSpeddenWhat OpenAI’s Sam Altman suggests you do to keep your jobThis Australian watch reseller is making its move on London and NYCBOSS Financial ReviewHow a divorce at the age of 36 turbocharged this leader’s career28 mins agoSally Patten and Mandy CoolenThe 3 traits that stand out among this year’s BOSS Young ExecutivesHow this elite child gymnast leapt to the top of SportsbetLife & LeisureNothing is as good as the controls on these high-end headphonesJohn DavidsonThis New Zealand restaurant is getting global attentionWhy music festivals are the key to happinessRich ListRich Lister Walker family donate millions to Sydney cancer centreYolanda RedrupChina provides reality check for Forrest’s green iron dreamThree decades of PMs, fashion icons and the odd person headed for jail