China has stated that it is constructing a military base in the South Pacific
Key Takeaways:
- Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated on Thursday that China has "no intention" of building a military base in the Solomon Islands, rejecting speculation over the treaty's purpose.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Thursday that China has "no intention" of creating a military facility in the Solomon Islands, dismissing speculation about the purpose of a recent security treaty with the Pacific island nation. The remark was made as the Chinese minister arrived in Honiara, Solomon Islands, to begin an eight-nation visit that has aroused concerns about Beijing's growing rapidly military and economic aspirations in the region.
Last month, China announced the signing of a broad security deal with the Solomon Islands, which many fear would give Beijing a military footing in the region. Provisions authorizing Beijing to deploy naval assets, including armed police, and also 'legal and judicial immunity for Chinese soldiers, were red-flagged in a leaked draught of the agreement disclosed previously.
The agreement's final version has not been made public.
"It isn't placed on anyone, and it isn't directed at anyone else. There are no plans to build a military base in the area, "Wang assured reporters today after meeting with Jeremiah Manele, the Solomon Islands' foreign minister.
Worried western governments regard the agreement as a potentially dramatic shift in local geopolitics since it allows China immediate access to the South Pacific, including Australia and New Zealand.
The Solomon Islands are strategically important, as seen by their role as a bulwark for Australia against the approaching Japanese during WWII.
Finally, the Solomon Islands are strategically located along important shipping routes, giving China the ability to control marine activity in and around the region.
"China's cooperation with Pacific Island nations does not target any nation and must not be interfered with or interrupted by any other country," Wang said.
He also appeared to reach out to other Pacific countries, stating that China valued the international links that Pacific island governments have with others and that, in some situations, China would consider joining three-way cooperation.