MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 30th March 2022
Solomon Islands decisions and sovereign rights must be respected
The Solomon Islands decision to sign a security Pact with China has been condemned by the Australian Government resulting in Prime Minister Scott Morrison launching a last-minute lobbying campaign across the Pacific, holding crisis talks with Fiji and Papua New Guinea on Monday evening to convince the countries to join Australia in condemning the deal.
The reason for this condemnation by the Australian Government appears to be speculation that it might lead to the establishment of a Chinese military base there.
The Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands in his address on Tuesday, declared that there was no plan to allow China to build a naval or military base in his country, saying the suggestion was “misinformation.”
“There is no intention to ask China to build a military base in Solomon Islands. We are insulted by such unfounded stories,” he said. He said while his country’s traditional security partners were always important, Solomon Islands needed to diversify its partners to “achieve our security needs”.
“I would like to make it abundantly clear that Solomon Islands’ security agreement with Australia remains in place and intact,” he said.
“It is clear that we need to diversify the country’s relationship with other partners, and what is wrong with that?
“We find it very insulting to be branded as unfit to manage our sovereign affairs, or [to] have other motives in pursuing our national interests.”
IPAN spokesperson, Alison Broinowski comments “ Peaceful and good relations with our Pacific neighbours means treating them with respect. It also means non-interference in their internal affairs and respecting their sovereign right to make decisions they see in their best interests.
The Australian Government’s speculation about the establishment of a Chinese military base is disrespectful of the government of Solomon Islands and only inflames Australia’s already bad relations with China. It is about time our political leaders learn to live peacefully with China, our major trading partner, and all countries in Asia-Pacific.
It is hardly surprising that Pacific Islands countries would be looking elsewhere for friends when Australia has ignored their main concern, climate change.
Our foreign policy must be independent of the United States, and nations’ hegemonic interests, and based on peace and security for the people of Australia and the Pacific.
IPAN opposes all foreign military bases in the Pacific including the U.S. military bases in Australia.”
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Media Interviews: Contact Alison Broinowski, 0422 608 580
IPAN Media Liaison: Kathryn Kelly, contact 0417 269 984
PO Box 573 Coorparoo Brisbane Qld Australia 4151
ipan.australia@gmail.com
www.ipan.org.au