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Source: The post is based on the article “Solomon Islands and China sign deals on police, economy, tech” published in The Hindu on 11th July 2023
What is the News?
China and Solomon Islands have jointly announced the official establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership. As part of this, the two countries signed a deal on police cooperation.
Where is Solomon Island?
The Solomons are an archipelago of hundreds of small islands in the southern part of the Pacific Ocean. It is located approximately 2,000 km from Australia.
There are six big islands – the largest, Guadalcanal, is home to the capital Honiara.
About China-Solomon Island relations:
Solomon Islands and China (PRC) established official diplomatic relations in 2019. Prior to this, Solomon Islands had diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
In 2022, China’s government signed a security deal with the Solomon Islands.
Why is the US concerned with the China-Solomon Island relations?
The Solomon Islands are strategically located in the Pacific, and the United States and its regional allies, such as Australia and New Zealand, are concerned that the China-Solomon Islands security pact allows Chinese naval vessels to replenish there.
That could open the door to a Chinese naval base, which would significantly extend China’s military reach in the South Pacific.
What are the steps taken by the US to address Chinese presence in the Pacific Island countries?
The US has responded by announcing plans to reopen an American Embassy in the Solomon Islands.
The US convened a summit of Pacific Island leaders in September,2022 to unveil a strategy that included cooperation in climate change, maritime security and preventing overfishing.
US has promised $810 million in new aid for Pacific Island nations over the next decade, including $130 million to address the effects of climate change
