Washington:
The United States (US) on Friday expressed concern about the security agreement reached between the Solomon Islands and China. The US warned that if China maintains a military presence in the Solomon Islands, the US will respond.
China and the Solomon Islands have signed a framework agreement on security cooperation. Under this, China can set up a military base in the Solomon Islands which is located in the South Pacific region.
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On April 22, a high-level US delegation visited Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands. The US delegation held a 90-minute meeting with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogaware, two dozen members of his cabinet and senior staff.
During the meeting with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare of the Solomon Islands, the US delegation reiterated the key priorities of the visit and outlined the steps Washington will take to advance the welfare of the people of the Solomon Islands.
The White House issued a statement saying that the United States (US) respects the right of nations to make sovereign decisions in the best interest of their people. The two sides are engaged in substantial discussions around the recently signed security agreement between the Solomon Islands and the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
The Solomon Islands representative indicated that the agreement had only domestic applications, but the US delegation noted that the agreement has potential regional security implications for the United States (US) and its allies and partners.
Outlining the areas of concern with regard to the purpose, scope and transparency of the agreement, the US delegation said if steps are taken to establish a genuine permanent military presence, power-launching capabilities or a military installation, the US will do so.
Earlier, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said that the security deal includes cooperation with Honara to help maintain social order, protect people, aid, counter natural disasters and protect national security.
Speaking at a press conference, Wenbin defended the signing of security cooperation between China and the Solomon Islands and said the agreement does not affect any third parties.
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