Solomon Islands PM ‘insulted’ by Australia, NZ reaction to deal with China

A neighbouring nation’s leader has been offended by Australia’s reaction to its proposed pact with China that could see a military base just 2000km from our shores.

Solomon Islands’ Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, has described backlash to a proposed security deal with China as “very insulting”.

Australia, New Zealand and the US have expressed concern about a pact between China and Solomon Islands, which could lead to a military base established on the Pacific island – 2000 kilometres from Australia’s coast.

It comes after a draft document emerged on social media last week, with Australian officials worried about the consequences of such a deal.

Mr Sogavare told his parliament on Tuesday the nation would not “pick sides” and that a leaked security document with China was a draft, according to Reuters.

He would not give details on any proposed deal and said he had exchanged text messages with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on the matter and also had written him a letter on Tuesday morning.

“We have no intention, Mr Speaker, of pitching into any geopolitical power struggle,” he said.

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A leaked document last week showed a proposed security agreement between the Solomon Islands and China, concerning Australian authorities. Picture: Sheng Jiapeng/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images

Trade Minister Dan Tehan said the proposed deal was a “concerning development” when the draft was leaked.

“What we’ve always wanted to ensure — and we’ve done this through our Pacific Step-Up — is to make sure everything we’re doing is enhancing the sovereignty of Pacific nations, to make sure everything we’re doing is to help and support them when it comes to their sovereignty,” he said on ABC’s Q&A on Thursday.

“All the assistance that we’ve given is absolutely in their national interests. We’re concerned that that isn’t the case in this situation.”

The Solomon Islands Opposition Leader claimed he warned Australian officials last year about negotiations with China, which could see a military base established.

“I have intimated as much to the Australian High Commissioner and officials that this was in the offing, even as far back as last year. All the indications were there and the Australian government did nothing about it, so I’m extremely disappointed in the Australian government,” Matthew Wale, who leads the Democratic Party, told ABC.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has denied letting relationships with the Solomon Islands slip. Picture: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

When questioned about the claim at a press conference on Monday, Mr Morrison denied any suggestion Australia had dropped the ball on the matter.

“Absolutely not. We’ve been aware of the risks right across the Pacific. This is why we doubled our development assistance into the Pacific,” he said.

Mr Morrison added that the development did not come as a surprise.

“The reports we’ve seen are not a surprise to us and are a reminder of the constant pressure and threats that present in our region to our own national security,” he said.

“And I’ll be speaking today with the Prime Ministers of Fiji and Papua New Guinea. (New Zealand) Prime Minister Ardern and I have been in contact over the weekend as well.”

According to a statement from Mr Morrison’s office, he and Ms Ardern spoke over the phone on Tuesday morning and noted their “shared concerns about any actions that would undermine the security and stability of the Pacific region”.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the negotiations were “gravely concerning” and has been in talks about it with Mr Morrison. Picture: Robert Kitchin / Getty Images

On Monday, Ms Ardern said the proposed deal with China was “gravely concerning” while speaking on local radio.

“If you look at the example of the recent unrest that the Solomon Islands have experienced … Australia and New Zealand combined had personnel, vessels, and a presence there to support the stability in-country, demonstrating that the need to reach beyond our own region for such support just wasn’t there,” she said.

The leaked draft stated China and Solomon Islands will enter into the agreement with the view of “strengthening security co-operation, mutual respect for sovereignty, equality and mutual benefit”.

“China may, according to its own needs and with the consent of Solomon Islands, make ship visits to, carry out logistical replenishment in and have stopover and transition in the Solomon Islands,” it stated.

“Solomon Islands may, according to its own needs, request China to send police, armed police, military personnel and other law enforcement and armed forces to Solomon Islands to assist in maintaining social order, protecting people’s lives and property.”

Originally published as Solomon Islands PM ‘insulted’ by Australia, NZ reaction to deal with China