What’s new: China and the Solomon Islands signed a bilateral security pact to help the South Pacific country enhance its capacity for maintaining social order and protecting the safety of people's lives and property, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry.
The Chinatown district in the island nation's capital Honiara was burned down during three days of anti-government riots last November.
The two countries' framework agreement on security cooperation aims to "promote social stability and long-term tranquility in the Solomon Islands" and "does not target any third party," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said Tuesday during a press conference.
The countries have not yet released the final text of the security deal after a draft was leaked online late last month. In 2019, the Solomon Islands severed diplomatic ties with Taipei and switched recognition to Beijing.
Why it matters: A U.S. delegation is visiting the island nation this week led by Kurt Campbell, U.S. President Joe Biden's National Security Council coordinator on Indo-Pacific, and Daniel Kritenbrink, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs.
The U.S., Australia and New Zealand have expressed concerns over the security pact between China and the Solomon Islands, alleging it could lead to a Chinese military base in the Solomon Islands. The U.S. delegation will meet with senior government officials to "ensure our partnerships deliver prosperity, security and peace across the Pacific Islands and the Indo-Pacific," the White House said in a statement.
Contact reporter Lu Zhenhua (zhenhualu@caixin.com) and editor Bob Simison (bob.simison@caixin.com)
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