Australia seeks friendship with Solomons despite China pact
ABC News
Australia’s defense minister says his nation wants to continue having a strong friendship and relationship with the Solomon Islands despite it signing a security pact with China
SYDNEY -- Australia's defense minister said Friday that his nation wants to continue having a strong friendship with the Solomon Islands despite it signing a security pact with China.
Speaking on Australia’s Nine Network “Today” show, Peter Dutton said Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has been very clear that he is not going to allow a Chinese military base to be built on the islands and Australia is taking him at his word.
“The deal that has been signed between the Solomon Islands and China allows for a security presence on the Solomon Islands, that’s the whole basis of the agreement," Dutton added.
He said Sogavare “didn't have a bad word to say about Australia” in the leadup to signing the pact with China last month.
