April 25, by Joseph Fitsanakis 2 Comments. Western leaders claim that the pact will turn the tiny Melanesian nation into a logistical hub for Chinese warships in a strategic region of the Pacific Ocean.
The Solomon Islands is an archipelago consisting of nearly 1, islands of various sizes in an area northwest of Vanuatu and east of Papua New Guinea. It gained its independence from Britain in the mids. Australia has historically provided security for this island nation of , inhabitants, which has no standing military. However, China has become a dominant player in Solomon Islands politics in recent years. In , the government of the island nation abruptly withdrew its diplomatic recognition of Taiwan and aligned itself with Beijing.
There were also attacks on Chinese-owned businesses in the capital, as well as on a number of police stations, which were set on fire. In late March, the text of a defense pact between the Solomon Islands and China appeared online.
The pact centers on law enforcement and military cooperation, involving training programs and joint exercises between the two nations. Some Western nations, including New Zealand, Australia and the United States, are concerned about the possibility that China could use the agreement to build a military base in the Solomon Islands.
The island nation is strategically located near Australia and New Zealand, as well as near the island of Guam, which hosts a large American military base.
