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.

Markets shrug as Trump tariffs take effect

Investors remain calm amid Trump’s 15% tariffs, focusing on future policy uncertainty and inflation risks instead.

Published

21 hours ago

February 25, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Investors remain calm amid Trump’s 15% tariffs, focusing on future policy uncertainty and inflation risks instead.

Investors are largely unfazed as U.S. President Donald Trump’s new tariffs officially come into effect. The administration has introduced a blanket 15 percent levy on imports, initially set at 10 percent under temporary regulations, but markets have responded with little drama. Analysts suggest traders have grown accustomed to tariff announcements, limiting any immediate shock to equities.

While the headline policy shift is significant, experts argue the real concern lies elsewhere. Ongoing uncertainty around global trade policy and the potential for further measures is keeping investors cautious. Rather than reacting to the current rate, markets appear more focused on what could come next.

Inflation pressures also remain firmly on the radar, as higher import costs could feed into consumer prices over time. For now, however, the broader market landscape looks largely unchanged, with investors taking a wait-and-see approach.

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News

Savannah Guthrie family offers $1 million reward in search for missing mother

Savannah Guthrie’s family offers $1M reward for info on her missing mother, as FBI investigates suspect linked to DNA evidence.

Published

22 hours ago

February 25, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Savannah Guthrie’s family offers $1M reward for info on her missing mother, as FBI investigates suspect linked to DNA evidence.

The family of US television host Savannah Guthrie is offering a staggering $1 million reward for information leading to the recovery of her missing mother, Nancy Guthrie. Nancy was last seen on January 31 after being dropped off at her home near Tucson, Arizona, before she was reported missing the following day.

Authorities, including the FBI, have been investigating the disappearance, previously raising the reward to $100,000 as the search intensified. Investigators have now obtained a DNA sample from a glove found near Nancy’s home, believed to be linked to a suspect captured in doorbell camera footage before her suspected abduction.

Savannah shared a heartbreaking message as the desperate search continues, with her family urging anyone with information to come forward. The case has gripped the nation as officials pursue every possible lead.

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News

Albanese evacuated from Lodge due to security threat

Anthony Albanese evacuated from The Lodge amid security threat, federal police conducting thorough search assures public safety

Published

1 day ago

February 24, 2026

Ahron Young

Anthony Albanese evacuated from The Lodge amid security threat, federal police conducting thorough search assures public safety

In Short:
– Prime Minister Albanese was evacuated from The Lodge due to a security threat.
– Australian Federal Police confirmed no current threat to public safety.

Anthony Albanese has been evacuated from The Lodge in Canberra due to a security threat.Federal police relocated the Prime Minister to a secure location around 6 pm.

A comprehensive search of the protection establishment is ongoing.

The Australian Federal Police confirmed there is no current threat to public safety.

An Australian Federal Police spokesperson said they were alerted to an alleged security incident at the property, near Parliament House.

“A thorough search of a protection establishment was undertaken and nothing suspicious was located,” a statement said.

“There is no current threat to the community or public safety.

The scene at The Lodge. Photo Credit: Lexie Jeuniewic

“Further information will be provided at an appropriate time.”

This incident follows a recent event where a man was shot dead by Secret Service agents after breaching the perimeter of Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, while Mr Trump and his wife Melania were in Washington.

Security Incident

Prime Minister Albanese’s evacuation highlights ongoing security concerns. Authorities are increasing vigilance in light of recent events involving high-profile figures.

Coordination between federal and local agencies remains crucial to ensure safety and security protocols are effectively executed.

Earlier in the day, Albanese recorded an hour-long interview with journalist Karl Stefanovic at The Lodge.

Last week, Mr Albanese urged Australians to “turn the temperature down” following a major defence event in Canberra that was disrupted by police-investigated incidents.

Hundreds of attendees at the ADM Congress were evacuated after a suspicious package was discovered. The bomb squad was then deployed to the scene.

During another address, a rock was thrown through a hotel window causing a scramble for the exits.

The evacuation of The Lodge comes amid heightened concerns about threats directed at elected officials across Australia.