On June 11 local time, the new government of the Solomon Islands once again stated its position regarding the Security Cooperation Framework Agreement signed between the two parties in 2022. It was clarified that this agreement, which contains confidentiality clauses, is legally binding, and the current government will not disclose its specific contents to the public.
According to AFP, Solomon Islands' new Prime Minister Matthew Wale said after returning to the capital Honiara from his trip to Australia and New Zealand on the 10th, "This security agreement with China contains confidentiality clauses. The agreement is legally binding and was signed by the previous government. Therefore, we cannot disclose its specific content."
Will said, “Although I previously stated that I would make it public, this is a legal document. As the Prime Minister of a responsible government, I cannot do so.”
Wills office confirmed to Xinhua News Agency that the agreement still needs to be kept confidential.
On March 30, 2022, after negotiations between the two parties and approval from the governments of both countries, the parties signed a preliminary agreement on the framework for security cooperation. However, countries such as the United States and Australia have been actively promoting and exaggerating this cooperation document.
Last week (June 3rd), Will, who was visiting Australia, openly stated that the Solomon Islands government would reconsider that agreement.
He stated that he saw the agreement text for the first time on the eve of his visit to Australia. ‘I have made personnel adjustments to some key positions. It was only on the day before my departure for Australia that I received a copy of the agreement, and I have not yet carefully studied its contents.’
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Will… AFP
It is worth mentioning that Will originally opposed the signed security cooperation framework agreement. However, before the election, his attitude softened, stating that he did not want to cancel the agreement, as it would cause “unnecessary problems”. Will said at that time: “China is Solomon Islands' main export partner, and it has made significant investments in infrastructure there. Of course, this includes the security agreements between the two sides.”
On the day he took office, Will also publicly stated that his new government would continue to firmly adhere to the one-China principle and engage in all-round cooperation with China in various fields.
According to reports, at a press conference in Honiara, Will proposed that all international treaties of the country should be subject to parliamentary oversight in the future.
He also said that during his visit, the tense relations between Solomon Islands and Australia and New Zealand have been alleviated.
"Regarding safety issues, the Solomon Islands will not become a source of uncertainty and instability in the region." Will said.
China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said on June 3 regarding this security agreement that China and the Solomon Islands are comprehensive strategic partners who respect each other and develop together in the new era. We are willing to expand practical cooperation with the new government of the Solomon Islands in various fields, so as to benefit the people of both countries better.
China has repeatedly emphasized that the security cooperation framework agreement signed between China and Solomon Islands is a cooperation between sovereign states. It aims to assist Solomon Islands in improving its law enforcement capabilities, support Solomon Islands in maintaining social order better, and at the same time protect the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in Solomon Islands. This is reasonable and legal, and everything operates under the light of the sun. Pacific Island countries are all sovereign nations, not the 'backyards' of anyone. They have the right to make their own choices, rather than being vassals of others.
