Solomons Islands PM says to review security pact with China
The Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, Matthew Wale, announced plans to review the country's security pact with China, which has raised concerns in Australia and the United States. Wale stated that he had not seen the agreement until shortly before his visit to Australia and emphasized the need for transparency. Australia aims to strengthen its ties with the Solomon Islands and counter China's influence in the region through new treaties and police training agreements.
- ▪Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale plans to review the 2022 security pact with China.
- ▪Wale mentioned he had not seen the agreement until shortly before his visit to Australia.
- ▪Australia is seeking to counter China's influence in the Solomon Islands by strengthening bilateral ties.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Solomons Islands PM says to review security pact with ChinaSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxSolomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale said he had been “praying and fasting” about the Chinese security deal and it would be examined by his government.PHOTO: EPAPublished Jun 03, 2026, 10:15 AMUpdated Jun 03, 2026, 10:15 AMCANBERRA – Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale said on June 3 he would be “reviewing” his country’s secretive 2022 security pact with China, which rattled Canberra and Washington.Asked about that pact alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the Solomons leader said he had been “praying and fasting” about the Chinese security deal and it would be examined by his government.“We are going to be reviewing as we are reviewing other…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.