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China’s interests in the Solomon Islands – military or economic?

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The Solomon Islands has signed a controversial security deal with China, raising fears the nation could be used as a Chinese military outpost

PHOTO: AP

The terms of the agreement have not been officially disclosed, but leaked documents reveal the deal will allow Beijing to send troops to the Solomon Islands to protect Chinese infrastructure projects.

The agreement will also allow Chinese naval ships to stop in the Solomon Islands for “logistical support”.

Western nations fear the deal will allow China to establish a de facto naval base in the Pacific.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has defended the pact with China. He says the deal will not “undermine the peace and harmony of our region”.

What are China’s plans in the Pacific?

In November last year, violent anti-government riots broke out in the Solomon Islands.

Dr. Tess Cain from the Griffith Asia Institute told Ticker News China has significant economic interests in the Solomon Islands, which were threatened during the riots.

“Security has been a concern, particularly since the riots of last year where we saw Chinese businesses targeted,” she says.

Dr. Cain says the main reason for the deal is for China to protect these economic interests.

“China has a significant amount invested in Solomon Islands by way of developing infrastructure, particularly for the Pacific Games next year.”

dr. tess cain

Dr. Cain says China is broadening its economic ties across the region. But she says there is nothing unusual about its desire to protect its economic interests.

“It’s not uncommon for countries, large countries such as China or the US to seek to protect their own citizens.” she says.

A naval base in the Pacific?

Nations including the U.S., Australia and New Zealand have voiced concerns that following the deal, the Solomon islands will become a Chinese military outpost.

Indeed, Australian Opposition Minister Penny Wong told the ABC the deal is “the worst foreign policy blunder in the Pacific since World War Two”.

While Dr. Cain refuses to rule any possibilities out, she believes a Chinese military base in the Pacific remains a remote possibility.

“I think it’s important that we remember that as things currently stand, Prime Minister Sogavare has given very strong assurances that that is not something that he envisages, and neither is it something that he would allow until we’ve got reason to believe otherwise”

Dr tess cain

While the deal creates the potential for a higher presence of Chinese assets, Dr. Cain believes it is unlikely to make a noticeable difference.

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Markets brace for pivotal week following renewed US-China trade talks

Global markets brace for US-China trade talks, earnings, and inflation data impacting investor sentiment and central bank outlook.

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Global markets brace for US-China trade talks, earnings, and inflation data impacting investor sentiment and central bank outlook.


Global markets prepare for a critical week as US–China trade talks, major earnings, and inflation data could shift investor sentiment and central bank expectations.

Kyle Rodda from Capital.com breaks down the key risks and opportunities.

#GlobalMarkets #USChinaTrade #Inflation #EarningsSeason #Investing #FederalReserve #AUD #Tesla #Netflix #MarketUpdate


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Global markets steady ahead of CPI

Global equities stay strong near record highs as investors await US CPI data to assess central bank decisions.

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Global equities stay strong near record highs as investors await US CPI data to assess central bank decisions.


Global equities remain resilient, with Wall Street, Europe, and Asia near record highs as investors eye Friday’s US CPI data to gauge central bank moves.

Market watchers note cautious optimism amid ongoing volatility.

#GlobalMarkets #CPI #WallStreet #Equities #Investing #CentralBanks #RBA #Fed #USMarkets #MarketUpdate


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US sanctions Russia’s top oil giants

US sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil aim to pressure Moscow amid oil price surges; impact depends on enforcement.

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US sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil aim to pressure Moscow amid oil price surges; impact depends on enforcement.


The US has imposed new sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil, aligning with Europe to pressure Moscow amid rising oil prices and global market tensions.

Analysts warn the real impact will hinge on enforcement and international response.

#Russia #USSanctions #Rosneft #Lukoil #OilMarkets #Geopolitics #EnergyCrisis #DonaldTrump #EU #GlobalTrade #Moscow


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