Solomon Islands Proposes Pacific Regional Security Treaty, Aiming to Exclude Chinese Involvement

(Central News Agency reporter Qiu De-zhen, Sydney, June 16) Australia's public broadcaster ABC reported today that Solomon Islands' newly appointed Prime Minister Matthew Wale has proposed establishing a Pacific regional security treaty. According to Wale's vision, this treaty aims to enable Pacific island nations to lead regional security affairs and exclude Chinese involvement.

According to ABC's report, Wale presented the idea of establishing a Pacific regional security treaty to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during his visit to Australia in early June.

Wale currently serves as the chair of the 'Pacific Islands Forum' (PIF) and can propose a motion for discussion on the regional security treaty concept at the PIF before his term ends in September this year.

The report noted that Wale revealed ideas related to the regional security treaty during a press conference held in Canberra during his visit to Australia. At the time, he only stated his commitment to advancing a treaty 'progressively at the regional level' and emphasized that the 'primary focus is on regional internal issues.' It remains unclear whether Australia and New Zealand are willing to support Wale's proposal. Both Wale's and Albanese's spokespersons declined to comment on the matter.

Oliver Nobetau, a Pacific affairs expert at the Lowy Institute, warned that if Australia and New Zealand publicly endorse Wale's idea before it is widely accepted among Pacific island nations, it 'could easily provoke resentment.'

Nobetau affirmed Wale's proposal but noted that achieving consensus among Pacific island nations on major issues could be extremely difficult. He said: 'Countries in the region hold vastly different positions on security matters; reaching a mutually acceptable solution is a daunting task—but it is essential work that must be pursued.'

Anna Powles, Associate Professor at Massey University's Centre for Defence and Security Studies in New Zealand, stated that Wale's proposal 'will require time to build regional consensus.'

Regarding Wale's possible attempt to introduce a motion before his PIF chairmanship ends in September, Powles described it as an 'urgent' task. Powles believes Wale is acting with urgency because 'a rare, fleeting window of political opportunity currently exists.'

The report mentioned that although Wale, upon taking office, is legally unable to publicly disclose the terms of the security agreement signed between Solomon Islands and China in 2022, he has committed to 'review' the content of the Solomon-China security agreement.

Additionally, unlike the previous pro-China stance of the former Solomon Islands government, Wale's administration has rapidly shifted toward closer ties with Australia. However, Wale avoids making statements that could provoke China, emphasizing the need to 'maintain good relations with all parties and not antagonize any one side.' (Edited by Tian Rui-hua) 1150616