Solomon Islands PM talks with leaders of Australia and New Zealand over the China deal

Image: Reuters Berita 24 English - Since signing a security agreement with China that alarmed U.S. allies over Beijing's military aspira...

Image: Reuters

Berita 24 English - Since signing a security agreement with China that alarmed U.S. allies over Beijing's military aspirations in the Pacific islands, the prime minister of the Solomon Islands has only sometimes spoken with his colleagues from Australia and New Zealand.

On the fringes of the Pacific Islands Forum in Fiji, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare had bilateral discussions with the leaders of Australia and New Zealand. He met Anthony Albanese of Australia and Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand.

Pacific island leaders will discuss China's desire for closer security ties in the region as well as how to get more international financing and help to combat the effects of climate change and rising sea levels at the four-day summit.

The security agreement between China and the Solomon Islands became a crucial election topic in Australia. According to Albanese, Scott Morrison, his predecessor, lacked diplomacy in this situation.

After giving Albanese a bear hug, Sogavare added, "We are family, and there are many issues, and that makes family stronger."

Sogavare has ruled out enabling China to construct a military post and stated that the agreement covered policing to defend Chinese developments because an arrangement with longstanding partner Australia was "inadequate." Details of the agreement have not been made public.

Albanese said that more could be done between Australia and the Solomon Islands "for shared benefit" and to foster confidence.

We aim to advance the interests of the Pacific as members of the area, he declared.