News

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

Published

4 years ago

April 21, 2022

ticker NEWS

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.

News

Senate clears Epstein files release despite White House push

Senate upholds vote to release Epstein files despite White House delay attempt; Trump signals intent to sign bill.

Published

5 hours ago

November 20, 2025

ticker NEWS

Senate upholds vote to release Epstein files despite White House delay attempt; Trump signals intent to sign bill.

The White House tried to delay a vote on the release of Justice Department files connected to Jeffrey Epstein, even as former President Trump insisted there was nothing to hide.

Despite this, the Senate approved the measure exactly as it passed the House, ignoring amendments proposed by Trump’s aides. This move clears the path for the files to be made public in full.

Trump has indicated he intends to sign the bill, marking a significant shift after the White House’s attempt to block or delay the vote proved unsuccessful. The decision could have wide-reaching implications for transparency and ongoing investigations.

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News

Nvidia earnings shake tech stocks as ASX heads into Christmas

Nvidia’s earnings spark sharp market reactions, prompting investor concerns for tech stocks and volatility ahead of year-end trading.

Published

5 hours ago

November 20, 2025

ticker NEWS

Nvidia’s earnings spark sharp market reactions, prompting investor concerns for tech stocks and volatility ahead of year-end trading.

Markets are reacting sharply to Nvidia’s latest earnings, leaving investors questioning the future of tech stocks. Analysts are closely watching whether the results meet expectations and what it could mean for the broader market.

Joining us is David Scutt from StoneX to break down Nvidia’s post-earnings performance and its ripple effects across US and global equities. Investors are keeping a keen eye on how this could set the tone for year-end trading.

With Christmas approaching, the ASX faces a pivotal day as global risk sentiment shifts. Traders are positioning themselves for potential volatility, making it critical to understand the signals coming out of major tech earnings.

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#NvidiaEarnings #TechStocks #StockMarket #ASX #GlobalMarkets #Investing #MarketUpdate #TickerNews