Published daily by the Lowy Institute. The danger is geopolitical competition being appropriated by local actors on both sides of local political tensions. But the reaction has underscored the risk that geopolitical competition itself could undermine the sovereignty of Pacific Island countries. Unlike during the Cold War, island countries are now more mature and assertive in exercising their sovereignty.
Sogavare has confirmed the security agreement with China has been finalised but the exact wording is not yet clear. China is unlikely to build a naval base in Solomon Islands.
Foreign military outposts are not how Beijing operates. But it is worth remembering other Pacific Islands countries also have security arrangements with China.
To protect their sovereignty, island countries must build deep knowledge about the motives and modus operandi of those they have security partnership with. China is relatively new to the region and countries such as Solomon Island must build deep knowledge about Beijing, state and non-state agencies, Chinese people and how they operate. Similarly, China and other development partners need to nurture deep and nuanced knowledge about island countries.
It currently has only one overseas base in Djibouti in the Horn of Africa. This is in contrast to the United States, with an estimated bases in 80 countries. What China does well is export its domestic security apparatus through partnerships. Although the agreement has been finalised, the Solomon Islands government can still ensure that assistance is provided for a model of policing that is appropriate and affordable to Solomon Islands.
