China’s Long-Term Strategy – How Beijing Is Expanding Its Influence in the Pacific – News

Agreement with the Solomon Islands enhances Beijing’s influence in the outskirts of Australia. Which disturbs the West.

All about this: The Solomon Islands in the South Pacific have signed a controversial security cooperation agreement with China, despite the opposition of its neighbors Australia, New Zealand and the United States. According to Chinese information, the long-term contract includes cooperation in maintaining social order and protecting the security of residents and their property. There is also humanitarian support and assistance in case of natural disasters.

These are possible consequences: The exact wording of the contract now signed is unknown. However, a draft was posted a few weeks ago. This stipulates that Beijing can send the army, police and other security forces to the Solomon Islands to ensure social stability. “However, we don’t know if there have been any changes to the agreements that are now in place,” says Martin Aldrovandi, SRF’s China correspondent.

These are Beijing’s intentions: “The agreement is part of China’s efforts to increase its influence in the region,” says correspondent Aldrovandi. In 2019, the Solomon Islands cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan, which had been in place since 1983, and immediately established ties with Beijing. Since then, China has been investing “heavily” in the Solomon Islands. The archipelago is also part of China’s “Belt and Road” initiative. For example, Beijing is building a sports stadium in the Solomon Islands for use in next year’s Pacific Games.

This is how the West responded: The United States, Australia and New Zealand have previously protested against the agreement. The US government will send a high-level delegation to the Solomon Islands this week, led by Indo-Pacific Coordinator Kurt Campbell. Because, according to the US State Department, the broad nature of the agreement between Beijing and the Solomon Islands “leaves the door open to the stationing of military forces from the People’s Republic of China.” Washington also expressed concern that cooperation could destabilize the Solomon Islands.

Solomon Islands says: The Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands said that China has no intention of establishing a military base on the islands. Rather, it is about cooperation in the internal security of the archipelago. “However, it is clear: China wants to increase its influence in the Solomon Islands,” says Martin Aldrovandi. For example, Beijing operates a relatively large embassy building in the Solomon Islands, while the United States, for example, still plans to open an embassy there.