Seeking to counter fears over its new security alliance with China, the Solomon Islands says it won’t allow China to build a military base thereWELLINGTON, New Zealand -- Seeking to counter international fears over its new security alliance with China, the Solomon Islands said Friday it won't allow China to build a military base there. In a statement Friday, the Solomon Islands government said that “contrary to the misinformation promoted by antigovernment commentators” the agreement did not invite China to establish a military base. It could also send warships to the islands for stopovers and to replenish supplies, which had led to speculation about the possibility of China establishing a naval base on the South Pacific islands. “China-Solomon Islands cooperation does not target any third party and is not in conflict with Solomon Islands’ cooperation with other countries. The Solomon Islands, home to about 700,000 people, switched its diplomatic allegiance from Taiwan to Beijing in 2019 — a contributing factor to riots in November last year between residents of different islands within the country.

Source: ABC News April 01, 2022 17:25 UTC