Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles explained in an interview on Tuesday that the extent of Australia’s security partnership with the Solomon Islands is unknown due to the islands’ government undertaking a security review.
The Australian defence minister confirmed both governments want to continue their security partnership. The newly elected Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Jeremiah Manele, informed Marles they want to continue their longstanding security partnership.
According to Marles, the Solomon Islands Prime Minister is appreciative of Australia’s support and commitment to maintaining its police presence and wants to ensure that some “part of the relationship” is maintained moving forward. Marles said:
The Australian police that have been here providing training and advice to Solomon Islands have been making a really significant contribution to the RSIPF. Prime Minister Manele made that clear in his comments to me about how greatly they are valued. And we’re certainly committed to looking at ways in which we can make sure that that ongoing presence is here- we’re very open to that.
The defence minister noted that Australia will “watch with great interest” and will “await the outcome” of the security review. This determination will inform both governments of how police presence in the Solomon Islands will continue, which had a long history under the RAMSI commitment that lasted from 2003-2017.
The defence minister also expressed Australia’s readiness to support the Solomon Islands’ evolving security needs, including potentially assisting in establishing a defence force. He noted the “heart” of continuing this partnership will be focused on “development assistance, security, the economy and economic cooperation.” The minister followed up this statement by saying that almost 7,000 Solomon Islanders are working in Australia currently under the Pacific Labour Mobility Scheme. This program is part of contributing to development assistance.
Australia will contribute to the Solomon Islands Border Management System and Birthing Clinic. The defence minister announced $18 million Solomon Island dollars would be contributed to digitalising and modernising the country’s border control processes, and $45 million Australian dollars will better develop the infrastructure of the Naha Birthing Clinic to improve the health of the country.
Additionally, Australia will work closely with Prime Minister Manele and his government to support their needs in dealing with the existential threat of climate change.
According to Reuters, China has had a policing presence in the Solomon Islands since 2022 when they entered into a bilateral partnership. Chinese president Xi Jinping first met with the Prime Minister at the time, Manasseh Sogavare, in 2019 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. According to ABC News, this emerging relationship between China and the Solomon Islands alarmed the officials in Washington and Canberra.