The security deal with Beijing agreed by PM Manasseh Sogavare is under the spotlight ahead of the 17 April vote
Ties between China and Solomon Islands have deepened under prime minister Manasseh Sogavare, who is pushing to retain the top job after elections on 17 April.Ties between China and Solomon Islands have deepened under prime minister Manasseh Sogavare, who is pushing to retain the top job after elections on 17 April.prepares to hold elections this month, with two candidates indicating they would seek to review a controversial security pact between the two countries.
Sogavare is running as part of the OUR party coalition which is committed to the Look North policy, as well as prioritising defence, security and trade. It has emphasised strengthening ties with China while continuing relations with traditional partners such as Australia.At the launch of the OUR party campaign this year, Sogavare said establishing diplomatic relations with Beijing in 2019 was “pivotal” for the country.
Kenilorea Jr says while he supports the economic development aspects of the Look North policy, he holds concerns about the security pact.As the detail of the China security deal has never been made public, Kenilorea Jr says UP will reveal the terms of the agreement. “We already have our existing regional security partners like Australia and New Zealand. We need to harness this agreement and make good use of it. We are not in war with anyone. All we need is our economic security,” Lilo says.“Solomon Islands needs to know the detailed contents of this agreement. We will do away with it or reassess it once we seize power in the coming election,” Lilo says.
Head of Transparency Solomon Islands, Ruth Liloqula, echoes those concerns, criticising parties for campaigning “mainly based on foreign policies.”
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