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

Published

4 years ago

April 21, 2022

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

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.

The draft security cooperation agreement between China and Solomon Islands has been linked on social media and raises a lot of questions (and concerns). (photos of agreement in this and below tweet) 1/6 pic.twitter.com/nnpnJJQC7r
— Dr Anna Powles (@AnnaPowles) March 24, 2022

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.

Minneapolis protests erupt after fatal ICE shooting

Tensions rise in Minneapolis after fatal shooting by ICE agent, sparking protests and unrest as investigations unfold.

Published

1 day ago

January 9, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Tensions rise in Minneapolis after fatal shooting by ICE agent, sparking protests and unrest as investigations unfold.

Tensions in Minneapolis have escalated following the fatal shooting of a mother by a U.S. Immigration agent. The incident has sparked outrage across the city, with residents taking to the streets to demand justice. Authorities are struggling to contain the unrest as public anger continues to mount.

State and federal officials are now at odds over the investigation. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has stepped back after the FBI assumed control, while the state attorney general has warned that state-level charges could still be pursued independently. The political divide adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation.

In response to the protests, schools in Minneapolis have closed and the National Guard has been activated to maintain order. Citizens are being urged to stay safe as tensions remain high and the city braces for further demonstrations.

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#MinneapolisProtests #ICEShooting #USNews #FBIInvestigation #NationalGuard #StateVsFederal #JusticeForAll #TickerNews

News

Iran protests escalate as economy crumbles

Iran faces widespread protests as currency collapse and soaring inflation strain household budgets, fueling public anger.

Published

1 day ago

January 9, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Iran faces widespread protests as currency collapse and soaring inflation strain household budgets, fueling public anger.

Protests are spreading across Iran after the country’s currency suffered a dramatic collapse, pushing inflation to more than 42 percent in December. Rising prices are squeezing household budgets, with basic goods becoming increasingly unaffordable for millions of Iranians.

What began as frustration over the cost of living has quickly grown into widespread public anger, as families struggle to keep up with soaring expenses amid a weakening rial and economic uncertainty.

These economic pressures have become the catalyst for demonstrations across major cities, marking one of the most serious waves of unrest linked directly to inflation in recent years.

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News

PM initiates royal commission on anti-Semitism and unity

PM announces royal commission to address anti-Semitism and social cohesion following pressure from various communities and leaders

Published

2 days ago

January 8, 2026

Ahron Young

PM announces royal commission to address anti-Semitism and social cohesion following pressure from various communities and leaders

In Short:
– Anthony Albanese has announced a royal commission into anti-Semitism and social cohesion, led by Virginia Bell.
– The inquiry aims to foster unity in Australia amid rising tensions and concerns from various community groups.

Anthony Albanese has initiated a commonwealth royal commission into anti-Semitism and social cohesion following mounting pressure.

The inquiry, announced in Canberra, will be led by former High Court justice Virginia Bell, despite opposition from some Jewish groups.The Prime Minister stated the need for a royal commission was essential for promoting unity within Australia, particularly after engaging with families of Bondi attack victims and the Jewish community.

He confirmed discussions with NSW Premier Chris Minns and expects the single commission to run over the next 12 months, with further comments from Mr Minns anticipated soon.

The prime minister has been asked if he’s still worried a royal commission would fuel antisemitism. Anthony Albanese insists he doesn’t want the inquiry to weaken social cohesion.

“The royal commissioner will bear in mind how hearings are conducted in the processes of their conduct,” Albanese says.

“We have been working on this for weeks. I have been engaged with the community.”

The prime minister was questioned about whether it was a mistake to reject calls for a royal commission into antisemitism. Following the Bondi terror attack, the federal government faced pressure to establish such a commission.

Anthony Albanese stated that the government has implemented various measures within the 25 days following the attack.

“We have increased funding for security agencies. We have had daily briefings of the National Security Committee,” Albanese says.

“The Commonwealth have particular resources and one of the groups and individuals I’ve spoken to as well have been people outside of New South Wales,” he says.

Highly-respected former High Court judge Justice Virginia Margaret Bell is the PM’s pick to lead the royal commission.

Sustained advocacy

This decision comes after sustained advocacy from various groups, including victims’ families, former leaders, and prominent figures across sectors.

Over recent weeks, Albanese and his team had put forth several arguments against a royal commission, such as concerns over divisiveness and potential exposure of sensitive information.

Gamel Kheir from the Lebanese Muslim Association has suggested that a broader inquiry into all forms of “minority religion” discrimination is needed, expressing wariness within the Muslim community regarding the federal inquiry’s focus.

Broad Support

A significant number of community and cultural organisations back a royal commission addressing social tensions and discrimination related to the Israel-Gaza conflict.

In support of this sentiment, nearly 50 diaspora and faith groups released an open letter urging a thorough examination of rising anti-Semitism and related issues following the Bondi Beach terror attack.