News

China proposes airstrips for pacific nation

Published

4 years ago

April 29, 2022

One of China’s largest defence and aerospace companies has promised to upgrade almost three dozen airstrips in the Solomon Islands

It’s part of Beijing’s plans transform the Pacific Island nation into an “aeronautical hub” for the region.

It follows a controversial security pact between the Solomons and China, which has raised eyebrows among western countries like Australia and the US.

The Solomons say they will purchase six aircraft from a Chinese state-owned defence subsidiary.

The ABC says the deal was initially floated two-and-a-half years ago but the pandemic has caused a delay to the plans.

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Costa Haritos

Costa is a news producer at ticker NEWS. He has previously worked as a regional journalist at the Southern Highlands Express newspaper. He also has several years' experience in the fire and emergency services sector, where he has worked with researchers, policymakers and local communities. He has also worked at the Seven Network during their Olympic Games coverage and in the ABC Melbourne newsroom. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Professional), with expertise in journalism, politics and international relations. His other interests include colonial legacies in the Pacific, counter-terrorism, aviation and travel.