THE SQUIZ

Fears that China will exploit Australia’s election to secure a controversial security pact with China have prompted an urgent trip to the Solomon Islands by the federal minister in charge of Pacific relations. Senator Zed Seselja is in Honiara to fly the flag and discuss the issues that are keeping Oz, Kiwi and American security folk awake at night after the prospect of having the Chinese military closer to our shores took a big step forward in the last few weeks. It comes after leaked letters show the Solomons Government told China it had “no objection” to its request to import weapons to protect its embassy in the wake of last year’s riots before ultimately ruling it out.

WHAT DO THE LETTERS SAY?

For context, the riots were partly fuelled by opposition to PM Manasseh Sogavare’s decision to switch diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 2019, along with broader economic frustrations. Rioters targeted several Chinese-owned businesses, and the Chinese embassy feared it would be targeted. That saw it ask to import automatic rifles, pistols, 2 machine guns and a sniper rifle for use by a 10-person plain clothes security team which would ensure “the safety and security of the Chinese Embassy.” The proposal also outlined that the Chinese team could hold diplomatic passports – which give immunity from prosecution under local laws – and would be classed as “Attache of the Chinese Mission”. Ultimately, reports say the request was knocked back by Sogavare’s cabinet, and the PM’s office has labelled the story as “fake news”.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR THE MINISTER’S VISIT?

It’s an interesting backdrop to the meeting and highlights Oz’s concerns about the growing diplomatic relationship between China and the Solomons. An overseas trip by a minister during the election ‘caretaker’ period (when the government isn’t to make big decisions or undertake international negotiations) is considered unusual, and Minister Seselja is expected to discuss Oz’s specific concerns about the Solomons hosting Chinese warships in Solomons’ ports. In a statement last night, he said “our view remains that the Pacific family will continue to meet the security needs of our region.” And it’s not just Oz who’s worried – America’s top diplomat for the Indo-Pacific Kurt Campbell is scheduled to visit Solomon Islands this month in a last-ditch effort to persuade Sogavare not to sign the deal.