Solomon Islands: West fears Chinese foothold in South Pacific

Synopsis

In 2022, the Solomon Islands proposed a security agreement with China that would permit Chinese police and military personnel to patrol the islands, raising alarms in Australia and New Zealand, who consider the region within their sphere of influence. The United States expressed concern, dispatching Kurt Campbell, its top Asia official, to the Solomon Islands. The shift in diplomatic ties from Taiwan to Beijing in 2019 has already led to unrest in Honiara, where Chinese businesses were targeted during riots in November 2021. Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare defends the treaty, emphasizing national sovereignty.