In an effort to counteract Chinese influence, Australia is reinforcing strategic positions throughout the Pacific. This initiative comes as the Solomon Islands’ leader calls for improvements to the regional security framework.
The launch of a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile by China from a submarine on Monday has drawn widespread criticism. Read more about China’s actions that have raised concerns about an unprecedented military buildup in the South Pacific since World War II.
This development coincided closely with the announcement of a new defense partnership between Australia and Fiji, prompting a forceful response from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who condemned China’s actions.
During a celebration of Solomon Islands’ Independence Day in Honiara on Tuesday, Albanese stood beside Solomon Islands’ leader, Matthew Wale, and described the missile launch as “provocative.”
Wale, who also leads the Pacific Islands Forum, highlighted existing vulnerabilities in the region’s current security arrangements and pressed for necessary enhancements.
Rather than acting as a deterrent, he said the missile launch reinforced the need for greater regional co-operation.
“In many ways the missile test is further evidence for the need for a regional platform so that the region can speak as one,” Wale said.
“Not all the countries in the Pacific are on the same level of strength and may not want to speak up when things like this happen.
“But a regional platform will allow cover and allow for much greater sharing of intelligence and information so we can be advocating better for Pacific-wide issues.”
Albanese’s visit to the Solomon Islands follows the new alliance with Fiji, called the Ocean of Peace, being signed in Suva on Monday.
The agreement is Fiji’s first mutual defence pact and allows other Pacific nations to join.
The deal marks the second alliance sealed by the Albanese government in one year, along with the Pukpuk treaty with Papua New Guinea that comes into force on Wednesday.
Fiji has become Australia’s fourth formal ally, joining the US, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
The Ocean of Peace alliance joins the $500 million Nakamal agreement inked with Vanuatu last week.
As negotiations progress between Australia and the Solomon Islands on a new treaty, Wale pointed to the agreements struck with other Pacific nations.
“They always say the best wine comes last … we certainly would be the last of the Melanesian countries,” he said.
“So, we expect the best wine.”
Earlier, the two leaders held a brief meeting at the airport moments after Albanese landed in the country.
The prime minister told Wale he hoped negotiations for the treaty could be finalised by the end of the year.
Albanese became the first foreign leader to address the Solomon Islands’ independence day celebrations.
He entered the national stadium alongside his counterpart and both were given floral garlands to wear.
The crowds gathered clapped as Albanese spoke at the event.
During the celebrations, Albanese announced a $10.2 million education package for the Solomon Islands.
The funding will provide new books for every primary school student, infrastructure upgrades, and improvements in curriculum standards for up to 12 rural training centres.
The prime minister also visited the Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre, built with a $45 million Australian investment to expand maternal care in Honiara.
A memorandum of understanding was concluded to provide support and advanced training for the police academy in Honiara.
A policing deal struck between China and the Solomon Islands in 2022 sent shock waves through Canberra.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who joined Albanese on his Pacific trip, has previously described Australia as being in a “state of permanent contest in the Pacific”.
Australia is trying to win the diplomatic battle against China in the region and has inked numerous economic and security agreements.