Story perspectives

Solomons PM received China pact before Australia visit

6/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Matthew Wale said he received 2022 China security pact a day before leaving Australia and has been praying and fasting before reviewing it.
China’s foreign ministry said Beijing is ready to expand pragmatic cooperation with the new Solomon Islands government across all fields.
Australia announced a comprehensive treaty, 300 Pacific Engagement visas, $35 million cyclone-relief aid and urged the Solomon Islands not to make exclusion of China a precondition.

History

Historical Context

After Solomon Islands gained independence, it forged diplomatic ties with New Zealand on 7 July 1978. Ethnic violence prompted Australia-led RAMSI to arrive on 24 July 2003, deploying 2,000 Australian personnel and A$1.5 billion of aid. In 2022 the Solomon Islands signed a security pact with China, echoing RAMSI’s framework and spurring Australia to boost its Pacific outreach.

1 of 2

Story summary

Prime Minister Matthew Wale said he received 2022 China security pact a day before leaving Australia and has been praying and fasting before reviewing it.
China’s foreign ministry said Beijing is ready to expand pragmatic cooperation with the new Solomon Islands government across all fields.
Australia announced a comprehensive treaty, 300 Pacific Engagement visas, $35 million cyclone-relief aid and urged the Solomon Islands not to make exclusion of China a precondition.

1 / 2