Solomon Islands PM Wale Reviews 2022 China Security Deal on First Canberra Trip

3 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · Jun 3

Matthew Wale said his cabinet will review the Solomon Islands’ 2022 security pact with China, a move announced during his first overseas trip since taking office last month.
Wale told reporters in Canberra he had seen the text only a day earlier and said the agreement would be examined alongside other security deals the country has with foreign partners.
The 2022 pact drew alarm from Australia, the United States and other governments, which feared it could expand China’s security footprint in the Pacific.
The review signals a possible recalibration by the new Solomon Islands leadership as regional powers compete for influence across the South Pacific.

Sources

Left56%

Center22%

Right22%

Is the new PM's review of the China security deal a genuine pivot or a strategic play for more Western aid?