China is wary of high-ranking US officials visiting Solomon Islands

Beijing [China]April 20 (ANI): When senior U.S. officials begin their visit to Solomon Islands, Chinese media said the visit to the South Pacific archipelago is an attempt to overturn an already signed security pact.

China and the Solomon Islands on Tuesday signed a framework agreement on security cooperation that fears the neighbors of the South Pacific archipelago could open the door to a Chinese naval base in the country.

“After Australia failed to persuade Solomon Islands to thwart a security agreement with China, senior US officials plan to travel to the country this week in a bid to repeal an already signed security pact that will be a rare high-level visit with superpower pressure.” – said in a report by Chinese state media Global Times.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin announced the security agreement, saying the agreement would provide for China’s cooperation with Honiara in maintaining social order, protecting human security, aiding, disaster relief and helping protect national security. broadcasting corporation.

Speaking at a press briefing, Wenbin defended the signing of security cooperation with Solomon Islands, saying the agreement was “not aimed at a third party.” .

The co-operation is a normal exchange between the two sovereign and independent states and is an important part of their comprehensive co-operation, he said.

Officials from the United States, Australia, Japan and New Zealand on Tuesday expressed concern over the proposed security framework between Solomon Islands and China and their “serious risks to the free and open Indo-Pacific Ocean.” On April 18, U.S. officials convened a meeting in Honolulu with senior officials from Australia, Japan and New Zealand on developments in the Pacific Islands.

“We will do this in closer partnership with the Pacific Islands, including through the Joint Pacific Islands Forum; and with like-minded countries in the region and beyond, including Europe,” the statement said. in a White House statement.

“Officials from the four countries also share concerns about the proposed security framework between Solomon Islands and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and their serious risks to the free and open Indo-Pacific region,” the statement added.

The meeting was part of the U.S.’s regular and extensive consultations with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region and is part of this week’s announced high-level trip to Hawaii, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands. (ANI)