New Zealand warns of China’s plan in Solomon Islands | World | D.W.

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinta Artern warned on Monday (03.28.2022) that the security plan between China and the Solomon Islands would open the door for Beijing to set up a naval base in the Pacific island nation. The militarization of this strategic region.

“We see such actions as possible militarization of the region, and we see very little reason to justify that need and that existence in terms of Pacific security,” Artern told Radio New Zealand. Potential security agreement between Beijing and Hon’ble and he described it as “extremely worrying”.

Following the publication of the aforementioned draft on social media on Thursday, Artern joined the concerns expressed by the Australian executive, proposing that the Chinese naval dock refuel and stop at the Solomon Islands, 2,000 and 3,755 kilometers away, respectively. Australia and New Zealand.

Australia is also concerned

Under the proposal, the Honiara Executive could ask Beijing to send armed police, military personnel and other security and armed forces to “maintain social order and protect the lives and property of the people.”

On Friday, Australian Defense Minister Peter Dutton expressed concern over the “establishment of any military base”, while highlighting the “continued pressure and effort by China” on the efforts of his country and its allies, such as the United States. In this region. “

Australia, which will hold general elections next May, has been a historic partner in the Solomon Islands, where Prime Minister Manasseh Chowdhury, who recorded violent protests in November, called for his resignation and decided to change his alliance with Taiwan in 2019. China ..

In addition, the Solomon Islands were the scene of ethnic clashes between rival armed groups between 1998 and 2003, which terrorized the nation and left more than 200 dead and thousands displaced.

These conflicts forced the country to pacify the Australian-led regional aid mission to the Solomon Islands between 2003 and 2013.

mg (eff, NZ Herald)