Australia asks Solomon Islands not to sign controversial security pact with China

Australia on Wednesday asked Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavari not to sign a controversial security agreement with China.

The Australian government has sent Pacific Minister Zed Siselja to Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, to meet the Prime Minister in person.

In a statement, Siselga said he had asked Manasseh Sogavari "to respectfully consider not signing the agreement and to consult with the Pacific family in the spirit of regional openness and transparency, consistent with security frameworks in our region."

"We welcome the Prime Minister's recent statements that Australia remains the security partner of choice for the Solomon Islands, and his commitment that the Solomon Islands will never be used on military bases or other military establishments by foreign powers," he added.

A leaked draft of the security agreement between the Solomon Islands and China caused shock waves throughout the region last month, especially with regard to measures that would allow the deployment of Chinese security and naval forces in the Solomon Islands.

Source: AFP