Solomon Islands-China Forge Security Partnership, New Zealand PM: Very Concerned, Potential For Militarization Of The Region

JAKARTA - New Zealand is deeply concerned about the possible militarization of the Pacific Region, following the Solomon Islands Government's decision to form a security partnership with China, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday.

The Solomon Islands government confirmed the 'diversification' of its security ties outside Australia, sparking concern for Kangaroo Country, the United States, and New Zealand.

"We see such action as a potential militarization of the region, see very little reason in terms of Pacific security, for such a need and presence," PM Ardern told Radio NZ, when asked if it was acceptable to have Chinese military vessels transiting a Pacific country. as reported by Reuters on March 28.

"We see this as a matter of great concern," said PM Ardern.

Separately, Solomon Islands opposition leader Matthew Wale said in an interview with ABC television he was disappointed Australia had not acted to cut a deal with China, after she alerted Australia's high commissioner or ambassador last year.

High Commissioner Lachlan Strahan responded on Monday, writing on Twitter: "Australia has raised its concerns with (Solomon Islands), about the proposed Solomon-China security cooperation agreement regularly and respectfully".

"The Pacific Family is the best place to provide security assistance to the Solomon Islands," he added, with Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne quickly "liking" the tweet.

Separately, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters he would speak to his counterparts in Papua New Guinea and Fiji about the matter on Monday.

"This is an issue of regional concern, but not surprising," he said.

Meanwhile, Washington has also expressed concern about China shaping military ties, with US officials citing this in February as a reason to reopen the US Embassy in Honiara, the Solomon Islands capital.

To note, as a Pacific Island nation of less than one million people, 2.000 km (1.240 miles) northeast of Australia, the Solomon Islands switched diplomatic recognition to Beijing from Taiwan in 2019, signaling China's growing influence in the Pacific.

The main island is Guadalcanal, the site of heavy fighting between the US and Japanese forces in 1942-43.