China confirms security pact with Solomon Islands in serious threat to Pacific stability

Australia has been “deeply disappointed” by the signing of a security pact between China and the Solomon Islands, amid fears it will undermine stability in the Pacific.

Australia has been left “deeply disappointed” by the signing of a security pact between China and the Solomon Islands after urging the Pacific nation not to forge ahead with the defence deal.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Pacific Minister Zed Seselja on Tuesday night said the agreement had the “potential to undermine stability in our region,” after the Chinese government’s foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin confirmed earlier in the day that the deal had been inked.

“The purpose of China-Solomon security co-operation is to promote social stability and long-term peace and security in Solomon Islands,” Mr Wang told media.

An earlier leaked draft had already sparked alarm from Australia and its allies, with top US diplomats preparing to travel to the South Pacific within days to prevent Beijing making further inroads.

Solomons Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has said his country did not intend to allow China to build a military base, but the deal is considered a serious threat to stability in the region.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin has confirmed the security pact. Picture: Greg Bake r/ AFP

In a joint statement, Ms Payne and Mr Seselja said they remained “concerned about the lack of transparency” around the agreement.

“We will continue to strongly encourage the Solomon Islands to engage in regional dialogue and to work with the Pacific family first, including prior to seeking security assistance from China under this arrangement,” they said.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says he does not intend to allow China to build a military base in his country. Picture: Robert Taupongi / AFP

Labor’s foreign affairs spokeswoman Penny Wong accused Prime Minister Scott Morrison of doing “too little, too late” to stop the deal. She said Australia’s region had become “less secure” under Mr Morrison.

“His government was warned of this in August,” she said. “It’s always too little, too late … and the risks Australia faces have become greater.”

Mr Seselja was sent to the Solomon Islands in the middle of the federal election campaign to “respectfully” urge Mr Sogavare not to sign the deal with China.

“We have asked Solomon Islands, respectfully, to consider not signing the agreement and to consult the Pacific family in the spirit of regional openness and transparency,” Mr Seselja said last week.

US State Department spokesman Ned Price said the “broad nature” of the deal, left “open the door for the deployment of PRC military forces to the Solomon Islands”.