Solomon Islands-China Security Pact Contains Confidentiality Clause, New Government Cannot Make It Public

TAIPEI (Central News Agency) SYDNEY, June 11 (Combined Foreign Reports) - The new government of the Pacific island nation of the Solomon Islands told AFP today that the security pact signed with China in 2022 cannot be publicly disclosed under the law. The agreement has unsettled the United States and Australia, who fear it could open the door for a permanent Chinese military presence in the South Pacific.

The pact was signed under former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, widely seen as China's staunchest ally in the South Pacific. Matthew Wale, who was elected as the new prime minister in May on a platform of reform, had previously called for the agreement's release while serving as an opposition leader.

During a visit to Australia last week, Wale stated that his cabinet would review the pact. He also admitted that he had only seen the agreement's contents for the first time before his trip.

However, according to Solomon Islands media reports, Wale told a press conference yesterday in the capital Honiara, after concluding his visits to Australia and New Zealand, that the new government is legally restricted from disclosing the pact's details.

"Unfortunately, the security agreement with China contains a confidentiality clause. It is legally binding and was entered into by the previous government. We cannot make the contents of the agreement public," he was quoted as saying. He added that any future international treaties for the Solomon Islands should be subject to parliamentary oversight.

Wale's office confirmed to AFP today that the agreement must remain confidential.

At yesterday's press conference, Wale also said his visits to New Zealand and Australia had helped improve the previously tense relations with both countries. "On security issues, the Solomon Islands will not be a source of regional uncertainty and instability," he stated. (Editor: Chang Cheng-chien) 1150611