Politics Archive July 2023
US Not Seeking Permanent Military Base in PNG, Says US Defense Secretary
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Thursday during a visit to Papua New Guinea that Washington was not seeking a permanent military base in the Pacific island nation under a new defense deal.
French President Macron Warns Against New 'Imperialism' in the Pacific
French President Emmanuel Macron warned against "new imperialism" in the Pacific during a landmark visit to Vanuatu, denouncing predatory behaviour by big powers in a region where China is extending trade and security ties.
Legal Challenge Against Extension of Parliament Goes to Court
The legal challenge surrounding the extension of Parliament went before the high court today.
Australia, NZ Concerned With China-Solomon Islands Policing Deal
Australia and New Zealand have expressed concern about a new policing agreement between China and the Solomon Islands that they say would undermine the Pacific’s agreed regional security norms.
Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific Holds Meaningful Discussions with Leaders
The Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy, had constructive discussions with Solomon Islands’ Ministers during his first day in Honiara.
Solomon Islands Reaffirms Bilateral Relations with Australia
Solomon Islands Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Hon. Jeremiah Manele has held a bilateral meeting with the Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, and the Minister for Defence Industry, Hon. Pat Conroy, in Honiara this week.
Australia Happy to Support a Solomon Islands Defence Force
Defence Minister Richard Marles has declared Australia would be "very keen" to help Solomon Islands set up its own defence force and says the Pacific Island nation of Vanuatu was also thinking about establishing a military.
Sogavare’s Pivot to China Complete
The writing is on the wall, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s pivot to China is now complete. Nine memorandums of understanding have been signed during his recent visit to China, ushering in a new era of partnership between the two countries.
Wale: PM’s ‘Drop in the Ocean’ Statement Outrageously Insensitive
Leader of Opposition Hon Matthew Wale has described the Prime Minister’s ‘drop in the ocean’ cost-benefit statement as outrageously insensitive.
China's Police Chief Meets With Solomon Islands Counterpart
Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong met with Anthony Veke, minister of police, national security and correctional services of Solomon Islands, in Beijing on Wednesday.
Sogavare Opens Embassy in China
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has opened the Solomon Islands Embassy in China.
"I Am Back Home" Comments by PM Shameful: Wale
Opposition Leader Matthew Wale has described the Prime Minister’s statement when arriving in China that ‘he is back home’ as outrageous.
Australia Calls For China-Solomon Islands Police Deal Be Made Public
The Australian government has called on Solomon Islands and China to "immediately" publish a new policing plan between the two countries, saying it is concerned the deal will invite "regional contest" in the Pacific.
Solomon Islands Signs Policing Agreement With China
Solomons’ prime minister, Manasseh Sogavare, meets with leaders as part of week-long visit to China.