Global Courant
SYDNEY – Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles will meet with Solomon Islands leader Mr Manasse Sogavare on Wednesday to discuss security, officials said.
He is on a two-day visit that comes as China begins to play a bigger role in the Pacific nation’s police force.
Mr Marles was also expected to meet with members of the Solomon Islands International Assistance Force during his first visit to the Solomon Islands as Defense Minister, including the Australian police deployed in 2021 at the request of Mr Sogavare to quell anti-government riots.
In comments before arriving in the capital Honiara, Mr Marles said Australia’s partnership with the Solomon Islands was “more important than ever”.
“Therefore, we will continue to ensure that Australia’s involvement across all sectors – including jobs, health and safety – is responsive to the needs of the Solomon Islands and is fit for purpose,” he said in a statement.
Australia is a major aid donor and has a decades-long security relationship with the Solomon Islands.
China has recently ramped up its funding for infrastructure.
In 2022, Mr Sogavare signed a security pact with China, sparking concerns in Canberra and Washington over Beijing’s naval ambitions in the strategically located region.
In recent months, the Chinese police have taken an increasing role in training and equipping the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, the police have said in statements.
The Solomon Islands will host the Pacific Games in Honiara in November.
China has funded the regional sporting event and built seven stadiums and other venues, and the Chinese police have pledged to provide “constant support” to the Solomon Islands Police “during and after” the event.
“Honiara’s stability is very important for the Solomon Islands, especially with the upcoming Pacific Games 2023,” said deputy leader of China’s police liaison team, Xu Qu.
Since May, China has trained police in riot control, combat skills, criminal investigation, economic crime and route security, and provided security equipment, police statements show.
Solomon Islands officials said Mr Marles would meet with Mr Sogavare after meeting Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele. REUTERS
