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Explainer | The China-Solomon Islands security pact and why it has raised alarm

  • US, Australia and New Zealand lead the objections, contending the agreement will destabilise the South Pacific
  • Officials from the Solomons say the deal has ‘solely domestic applications’ and will not result in Chinese military bases or a long-term presence in the islands

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Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare (left) and China’s ambassador to the Solomon Islands Li Ming at the opening ceremony of a China-financed national stadium complex in Honiara on Friday. The stadium complex, worth a reported US$53 million, will host the 2023 Pacific Games, a first for the Solomons. Photo: AFP
Mia Castagnone
China confirmed the signing of a security agreement with the Solomon Islands last week, sparking a strong backlash from the United States and its South Pacific allies, Australia and New Zealand.
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The US, which immediately sent a delegation to Honiara to speak directly to Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, has declared its concern at the “lack of transparency” in the agreement and that it appeared to leave the door open for China to send military forces to the islands.

Kurt Campbell, the US National Security Council Indo-Pacific coordinator, arrives at the airport in Honiara, Solomon Islands, on Friday. Photo: Australia Broadcasting Corporation via AP
Kurt Campbell, the US National Security Council Indo-Pacific coordinator, arrives at the airport in Honiara, Solomon Islands, on Friday. Photo: Australia Broadcasting Corporation via AP

Australia has also criticised the security pact, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison saying on Sunday that if the agreement allowed a Chinese military base on the Pacific Island nation, that would be a “red line” for his government.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern also noted that that pact breached an agreement among Pacific Islands Forum members for nations to confer with each other on defence matters before making major decisions.

Here’s what you need to know about the controversial security pact.

What exactly does the agreement say?

Honiara first said it was reaching a deal with Beijing in March in a move Sogavare contended would help diversify its security partners. The Chinese foreign ministry also said the pact aimed to promote peace and security.

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