Solomon Islands PM to review China pact, Australia backs

The new Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, Matthew Wale, announced on Wednesday that his government will review a secretive 2022 security pact with China, a move welcomed by Australia as the two nations commit to a significant reset in their relationship. Wale made the announcement during his first official overseas visit since taking office last month, following high-level talks in Canberra with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Wale stated that the review of the China security agreement would be part of a broader examination of all the Solomon Islands' security arrangements. He revealed he had only been given a copy of the pact a day before his departure for Australia and noted it contains a non-disclosure clause, preventing its immediate public release. The 2022 deal, which allowed Chinese police to assist local forces, had caused significant concern for Australia and the United States, who viewed it as an expansion of Chinese influence in the strategically vital Pacific region.

In a joint news conference, the two leaders announced they would commence negotiations toward a new, comprehensive bilateral treaty aimed at elevating their partnership. Albanese...