Solomons PM rejects Australian criticism

Sogavare reveals his country was never consulted about Aukus security alliance

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has lashed out at Australia, as the fallout from a newly signed security agreement between his country and China continues.

Addressing parliament, Sogavare said the Pacific island nation was not given prior warning Australia had signed a security agreement with Britain and the United States last year that involved nuclear submarines.

In September, the countries announced the trilateral defence partnership known as Aukus, which allows the countries to share technology covering cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, underwater systems and longrange strike capabilities.

“The Aukus treaty will see nuclear submarines in Pacific waters. I learned of the Aukus treaty in the media. One would expect that as a member of the Pacific family, Solomon Islands and members of the Pacific should have been consulted to ensure this Aukus treaty is transparent,” Sogavare said, echoing comments made by China’s foreign ministry.

“I realise that Australia is a sovereign country, which can enter into any treaty it wants to, transparently or not, which is exactly what they did with Aukus.”

“When Australia signed up to Aukus, we did not become theatrical or hysterical about the implications this would have for us,” Sogavare said. “We respected Australia’s decision.”

During recent unrest in the Solomon Islands both Australia and New Zealand sent defence force personnel, vessels and police to support the country’s stability.

However, Sogavare criticised its own treaty with Australia, labelling it “inadequate” as it “did not manage to contain” riots in November.

China’s attempts to extend its military influence in the Pacific have put Western allies on guard, and the security pact with the Solomons has roiled the Australian election campaign.

Details of the pact with China have not been disclosed.

The Aukus treaty will see nuclear submarines in Pacific waters

SOLOMON ISLANDS PRIME MINISTER MANASSEH SOGAVARE