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dpa
Wellington
The Prime Minister of Solomon Islands has defended a proposed security agreement being brokered with China.
A draft agreement, leaked online, indicated Solomon Islands would allow Beijing to send military forces to the country and make regular ship visits.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said the Pacific nation needs “cooperation and understanding” after both New Zealand and Australia expressed concern about the proposed move.
Sogavare told parliament the island’s long-time partners would “remain close in our hearts” and Pacific countries needed to work together to keep the region safe.
“In moving forward to achieve our security needs, it is clear we need to diversify.” Discussions within Australian media “encouraging an invasion into the Solomon Islands to force a regime change does nothing to strengthen our bilateral relations,” he said.
“When a helpless mouse is concerned by vicious cats it will do anything to survive,” Sogavare said.
New Zealand foreign affairs minister Nanaia Mahuta said New Zealand, and the Pacific, remained committed to supporting stability in Solomon Islands.
“Solomon Islands’ proposed agreement with China, while within Solomon Islands’ sovereign rights, risks destabilising the current institutions and arrangements that have long ensured the Pacific region’s security,” she said.
Wellington
The Prime Minister of Solomon Islands has defended a proposed security agreement being brokered with China.
A draft agreement, leaked online, indicated Solomon Islands would allow Beijing to send military forces to the country and make regular ship visits.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said the Pacific nation needs “cooperation and understanding” after both New Zealand and Australia expressed concern about the proposed move.
Sogavare told parliament the island’s long-time partners would “remain close in our hearts” and Pacific countries needed to work together to keep the region safe.
“In moving forward to achieve our security needs, it is clear we need to diversify.” Discussions within Australian media “encouraging an invasion into the Solomon Islands to force a regime change does nothing to strengthen our bilateral relations,” he said.
“When a helpless mouse is concerned by vicious cats it will do anything to survive,” Sogavare said.
New Zealand foreign affairs minister Nanaia Mahuta said New Zealand, and the Pacific, remained committed to supporting stability in Solomon Islands.
“Solomon Islands’ proposed agreement with China, while within Solomon Islands’ sovereign rights, risks destabilising the current institutions and arrangements that have long ensured the Pacific region’s security,” she said.
