Solomons-China deal has Wong off to build bridges

The Foreign Minister will head to Solomon Islands to try to reset relations with Manasseh Sogavare, amid heightened tensions between the countries over his security pact with China.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong. Picture: AFP

Foreign Minister Penny Wong will head to Solomon Islands on Friday to try to reset relations with its Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, amid heightened tensions between the countries over his security pact with China.

The trip – her third to the Pacific since Labor’s election – follows her election campaign attack on the former government for failing to prevent the China security deal, which she described as Australia’s “worst foreign policy blunder in the Pacific since the end of World War II”.

Senator Wong flagged talks on “shared security interests”, and is expected to raise the Albanese government’s ongoing concerns over the pact.

She will also focus on opportunities in the relationship, including the Albanese government’s plans to open the doors to more Pacific workers, and allow more Pacific migrants to settle permanently in Australia.

“We are committed to deepening our co-operation with Solomon Islands, as we work together to face shared challenges and achieve our shared goals, including on climate change,” she said.

“I look forward to discussing the ways we can continue to make progress on pandemic recovery, economic development and labour mobility priorities, and addressing our shared security interests.”

She will travel to Solomons after visiting New Zealand on Thursday for talks with counterpart Nanaia Mahuta.

The trip follows a visit to Fiji soon after the election, and another to Samoa and Tonga last week.

Scott Morrison warned during the election campaign that any attempt by China to establish a military base in Solomon Islands would be a “red line” for Australia. The US issued a similar warning, saying it would “respond accordingly” to such a move.

Mr Sogavare suggested the warnings amounted to threats of “invasion”, and complained critics were treating his country “like kindergarten students walking around with Colt .45s in our hands”.

Lowy Institute Pacific research fellow Mihai Sora said repairing Australia’s relationship with the Sogavare government needed to be a top priority for the Albanese government.

“As far as Australia and Solomons goes right now, it is that top level personal relationship that needs to be re-established,” he said.

But he said Australia would struggle to prise Honiara away from Beijing. “Their relationship reflects more what China’s ambition is for the region,” he said. “It will be very hard for Australia to wind back that closeness.”