China and the Solomon Islands have signed a wide-ranging security pact that will allow the Chinese naval to have its presence in the South Pacific—a move that is being viewed with caution by US, Australia and New Zealand.

While briefing the reporters in Beijing on Tuesday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said, "The foreign ministers of China and the Solomon Islands officially signed the framework agreement on security cooperation recently."

He did not elaborate further on when or where the deal was signed.

According to a draft version of the agreement that was leaked last month, China will be allowed to station their naval and security troops in the Pacific, less than 2,000km off Australia’s coast.

The leaked document says the Solomon Islands, which lies east of Papua New Guinea, could “request China to send police, armed and military personnel and other law enforcement agencies” to the country.

It could also send warships to the islands for stopovers and to replenish supplies, leading to speculation about the possibility of China establishing a naval base on the islands.

The sudden announcement comes a day after the US announced that it would be sending two top officials to the archipelago.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-solomon-islands-finalising-pact-to-establish-military-presence-at-australias-backyard-report-465232">&nbsp;China, Solomon Islands finalising pact to establish military presence at ‘Australia’s backyard’: Report</a>

US State Department spokesman Ned Price said the agreement could destabilise the Solomon Islands and would set a concerning precedent for the wider Pacific region.

"Despite the Solomon Islands government's comments, the broad nature of the security agreement leaves open the door for the deployment of PRC (People's Republic of China) military forces to the Solomon Islands," Price said.

The signing of the pact comes in the wake of protests that broke out in 2021 after Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s decision to cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan and switch sides with China.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/solomon-islands-riots-whats-behind-the-protests-431839">Solomon islands riots: What’s behind the protests?</a>

More than 200 peacekeepers were deployed from Australia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand&nbsp;to restore calm.

China donated anti-riot gear and offered to send police advisors to help quell the riots.

(With inputs from agencies)

China and the Solomon Islands have signed a wide-ranging security pact that will allow the Chinese naval to have its presence in the South Pacific—a move that is being viewed with caution by US, Australia and New Zealand.

China and the Solomon Islands have signed a wide-ranging security pact that will allow the Chinese naval to have its presence in the South Pacific—a move that is being viewed with caution by US, Australia and New Zealand. While briefing the reporters in Beijing on Tuesday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said, "The foreign ministers of China and the Solomon Islands officially signed the framework agreement on security cooperation recently." He did not elaborate further on when or where the deal was signed. According to a draft version of the agreement that was leaked last month, China will be allowed to station their naval and security troops in the Pacific, less than 2,000km off Australia’s coast. The leaked document says the Solomon Islands, which lies east of Papua New Guinea, could “request China to send police, armed and military personnel and other law enforcement agencies” to the country. It could also send warships to the islands for stopovers and to replenish supplies, leading to speculation about the possibility of China establishing a naval base on the islands. The sudden announcement comes a day after the US announced that it would be sending two top officials to the archipelago. Also read | China, Solomon Islands finalising pact to establish military presence at ‘Australia’s backyard’: Report US State Department spokesman Ned Price said the agreement could destabilise the Solomon Islands and would set a concerning precedent for the wider Pacific region. "Despite the Solomon Islands government's comments, the broad nature of the security agreement leaves open the door for the deployment of PRC (People's Republic of China) military forces to the Solomon Islands," Price said. The signing of the pact comes in the wake of protests that broke out in 2021 after Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s decision to cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan and switch sides with China. Also read | Solomon islands riots: What’s behind the protests? More than 200 peacekeepers were deployed from Australia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand to restore calm. China donated anti-riot gear and offered to send police advisors to help quell the riots. (With inputs from agencies)

China and Solomon Islands ink controversial security pact

Leaked documents have revealed the Chinese embassy in the Solomon Islands has requested for a heavily armed security team to be sent to the islands after riots broke out in Honiara.

The embassy said in a statement, "The government of the Peoples Republic of China has decided to send a plain-clothes security team, 10 personnel, with necessary light weapons and equipment to the Chinese embassy in the Solomon Islands."&nbsp;

The "official status" of the security team was "diplomatic attaches" that would "enhance the safety and security of the Chinese embassy," as per a leaked memo obtained by the Guardian.

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Solomon Islands diplomat Colin Beck wrote a memo saying the request made by the Chinese embassy "stemmed from the recent three days of November riots, of which the Solomon Islands Chinese community faced the brunt of the looting and violence amongst other business owners".&nbsp;

"My ministry, during the period, could not guarantee the safety of the embassy and [its] staff. As host country, we had an obligation to protect all embassies including [the] Chinese embassy," the memo said. "In this regard, we have no objection to the request."&nbsp;

Confirming the veracity of the documents, the Solomon Islands government said, “to be alert against fake news or misinterpreted commentaries on social media forums following leaked documents containing official correspondences between the Solomon Islands Government and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Embassy in Honiara.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/solomon-islands-riots-whats-behind-the-protests-431839">Also read |&nbsp;Solomon islands riots: What’s behind the protests?</a>

After a regional backlash, the Solomon Islands said it would not allow a Chinese military base in the Pacific islands nation despite its plans to sign a security pact with Beijing.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said, "Government is conscious of the security ramification of hosting a military base, and it will not be careless to allow such initiative to take place under its watch."&nbsp;

"The point of the security cooperation between China and the Solomon Islands is to maintain the safety of people's lives and property. It is without any military elements or overtones,” said China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Zhao Lijian.

Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific Zed Seselja said his country “stood strongly as a partner and a friend of Solomon Islands” and it believed “the Pacific family will continue to meet the security needs of our region.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Leaked documents have revealed the Chinese embassy in the Solomon Islands has requested for a heavily armed security team to be sent to the islands after riots broke out in Honiara.

Leaked documents have revealed the Chinese embassy in the Solomon Islands has requested for a heavily armed security team to be sent to the islands after riots broke out in Honiara. The embassy said in a statement, "The government of the Peoples Republic of China has decided to send a plain-clothes security team, 10 personnel, with necessary light weapons and equipment to the Chinese embassy in the Solomon Islands." The "official status" of the security team was "diplomatic attaches" that would "enhance the safety and security of the Chinese embassy," as per a leaked memo obtained by the Guardian. Solomon Islands diplomat Colin Beck wrote a memo saying the request made by the Chinese embassy "stemmed from the recent three days of November riots, of which the Solomon Islands Chinese community faced the brunt of the looting and violence amongst other business owners". "My ministry, during the period, could not guarantee the safety of the embassy and [its] staff. As host country, we had an obligation to protect all embassies including [the] Chinese embassy," the memo said. "In this regard, we have no objection to the request." Confirming the veracity of the documents, the Solomon Islands government said, “to be alert against fake news or misinterpreted commentaries on social media forums following leaked documents containing official correspondences between the Solomon Islands Government and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Embassy in Honiara.” Also read | Solomon islands riots: What’s behind the protests? After a regional backlash, the Solomon Islands said it would not allow a Chinese military base in the Pacific islands nation despite its plans to sign a security pact with Beijing. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said, "Government is conscious of the security ramification of hosting a military base, and it will not be careless to allow such initiative to take place under its watch." "The point of the security cooperation between China and the Solomon Islands is to maintain the safety of people's lives and property. It is without any military elements or overtones,” said China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Zhao Lijian. Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific Zed Seselja said his country “stood strongly as a partner and a friend of Solomon Islands” and it believed “the Pacific family will continue to meet the security needs of our region.” (With inputs from agencies)

Leaked documents reveal China had asked for heavily armed security team to be sent to Solomon islands

Solomon Islands' Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has refused to resign after rioting rocked the country.

Sogavare said, "It is very clear that the recent events were well planned and orchestrated to remove me as the prime minister for unsubstantiated reasons."

"I want to show the nation that the government is fully intent and nothing will move us. We must and will never bow down to the evil intention of a few people," he added.

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Sogavare blamed outside interference for stirring up the protests calling for his resignation, with a thinly veiled reference to Taiwan and the United States.

Taiwan Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Joanne Ou said in a statement: “We have nothing to do with the unrest”.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/solomon-islands-riots-whats-behind-the-protests-431839">Also read |&nbsp;Solomon islands riots: What’s behind the protests?</a>

Many of the protesters come from the most populous province of Malaita, where there is resentment toward the government and opposition to its 2019 decision to end diplomatic ties with Taiwan and establish formal links with China.

China and Taiwan have been rivals in the South Pacific for decades with some island nations switching allegiances.

China views Taiwan as a wayward province with no right to state-to-state ties, which the government in Taipei hotly disputes. Only 15 countries maintain formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-leader-meets-solomons-envoy-to-shore-up-ties-over-china-248580">Also read |&nbsp;Taiwan leader meets Solomons envoy to shore up ties over China</a>

"We must and will never bow down to the evil intention of a few people. We must stand up to intimidation, bullying and violence. We owe this to our children and the majority of our people who cannot defend themselves," the Solomon Islands leader said.

"Rest assured that they (instigators) will face the full brunt of the law and arrests are already &nbsp;being made as investigations continue, with more arrests to follow," he added.

Critics have blamed the unrest on complaints of a lack of government services and accountability, corruption and Chinese businesses giving jobs to foreigners instead of locals.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Solomon Islands' Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has refused to resign after rioting rocked the country. Sogavare said, "It is very clear that the recent events were well planned and orchestrated to remove me as the prime minister for unsubstantiated reasons.

Solomon Islands' Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has refused to resign after rioting rocked the country. Sogavare said, "It is very clear that the recent events were well planned and orchestrated to remove me as the prime minister for unsubstantiated reasons." "I want to show the nation that the government is fully intent and nothing will move us. We must and will never bow down to the evil intention of a few people," he added. Sogavare blamed outside interference for stirring up the protests calling for his resignation, with a thinly veiled reference to Taiwan and the United States. Taiwan Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Joanne Ou said in a statement: “We have nothing to do with the unrest”. Also read | Solomon islands riots: What’s behind the protests? Many of the protesters come from the most populous province of Malaita, where there is resentment toward the government and opposition to its 2019 decision to end diplomatic ties with Taiwan and establish formal links with China. China and Taiwan have been rivals in the South Pacific for decades with some island nations switching allegiances. China views Taiwan as a wayward province with no right to state-to-state ties, which the government in Taipei hotly disputes. Only 15 countries maintain formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Also read | Taiwan leader meets Solomons envoy to shore up ties over China "We must and will never bow down to the evil intention of a few people. We must stand up to intimidation, bullying and violence. We owe this to our children and the majority of our people who cannot defend themselves," the Solomon Islands leader said. "Rest assured that they (instigators) will face the full brunt of the law and arrests are already being made as investigations continue, with more arrests to follow," he added. Critics have blamed the unrest on complaints of a lack of government services and accountability, corruption and Chinese businesses giving jobs to foreigners instead of locals. (With inputs from agencies)

Solomon Islands: PM Manasseh Sogavare defies pressure to resign after unrest

Solomon&nbsp;Islands&nbsp;police have found three bodies in a burned-out building, Australian media said on Saturday, as police made more than a hundred arrests following rioting in the South Pacific capital in the past several days.

Charred bodies were discovered in a store in the Chinatown district late on Friday, Australia's national broadcaster ABC said, citing a report from a security guard.

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Many of the protesters come from the most populous province of Malaita, where there is resentment toward the government and opposition to its 2019 decision to end diplomatic ties with Taiwan and establish formal links with China.

Forensic teams have launched an investigation and were still on the scene, but the cause of the deaths was unclear, ABC quoted police as saying.

Buildings in the Chinatown neighbourhood were looted and burnt during the rioting in the capital.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/on-pm-sogavares-request-australias-police-begins-to-take-control-of-solomon-islands-capital-432045" hreflang="en">On PM Sogavare's request, Australia's police begins to take control of Solomon Islands’&nbsp;capital&nbsp;</a>

More than a hundred people were arrested for rioting and looting linked to the current protests, the Royal&nbsp;Solomon&nbsp;Islands&nbsp;Police Force said in a statement on Saturday.

Local police have been backed up by arrivals from Papua New Guinea and Australia.

Some 50 officers from the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary arrived in Honiara on Friday, a day after Australia sent its own forces to the capital, both in response to requests from the&nbsp;Solomon&nbsp;Islands&nbsp;government.

"Australia and Papua New Guinea are concerned about the violent turn that protests have taken in Honiara and jointly emphasise the importance of resolving tensions peacefully," said Papua New Guinea's minister for foreign affairs Soroi Eoe, and Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne.

"We are aiming to help restore calm and allow normal constitutional processes to operate," they said in a joint statement on Saturday.

Solomon Islands police have found three bodies in a burned-out building, Australian media said on Saturday, as police made more than a hundred arrests following rioting in the South Pacific capital in the past several days.

Solomon Islands police have found three bodies in a burned-out building, Australian media said on Saturday, as police made more than a hundred arrests following rioting in the South Pacific capital in the past several days. Charred bodies were discovered in a store in the Chinatown district late on Friday, Australia's national broadcaster ABC said, citing a report from a security guard. Many of the protesters come from the most populous province of Malaita, where there is resentment toward the government and opposition to its 2019 decision to end diplomatic ties with Taiwan and establish formal links with China. Forensic teams have launched an investigation and were still on the scene, but the cause of the deaths was unclear, ABC quoted police as saying. Buildings in the Chinatown neighbourhood were looted and burnt during the rioting in the capital. Also read | On PM Sogavare's request, Australia's police begins to take control of Solomon Islands’ capital More than a hundred people were arrested for rioting and looting linked to the current protests, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force said in a statement on Saturday. Local police have been backed up by arrivals from Papua New Guinea and Australia. Some 50 officers from the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary arrived in Honiara on Friday, a day after Australia sent its own forces to the capital, both in response to requests from the Solomon Islands government. "Australia and Papua New Guinea are concerned about the violent turn that protests have taken in Honiara and jointly emphasise the importance of resolving tensions peacefully," said Papua New Guinea's minister for foreign affairs Soroi Eoe, and Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne. "We are aiming to help restore calm and allow normal constitutional processes to operate," they said in a joint statement on Saturday.

Solomon Islands police find 3 bodies, make arrests