VOA: SYDNEY — The Solomon Islands has confirmed it is negotiating a security deal with China, which has caused alarm in neighboring Australia and New Zealand.
The Solomon Islands is located in the southwestern Pacific, about 2,000 miles northeast of Australia.
A draft official document emerged on social media Thursday. It details plans that could allow Beijing to send armed police and soldiers to the Pacific archipelago to “protect the safety of Chinese personnel and major projects in Solomon Islands.”
In Australia, there are fears that the agreement could lead to Beijing establishing a permanent military presence or bases in the Pacific Island country.
Australia and New Zealand have been the Solomon Islands’ traditional defense partners and aid donors. » | Phil Mercer | Saturday, March 26, 2022
Salomonen wollen enger mit China kooperieren: Die Salomonen streben eine Sicherheitskooperation mit China an. Australien und Neuseeland sind alarmiert. Sie fürchten eine militärische Präsenz Pekings im Südpazifik. »
