The newly elected Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale wants to “reset” relations with Australia, which were strained under his predecessors amid concerns of Beijing ties.
Wale faced questions about the 2022 security deal inked between former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) that would allow Beijing to station troops, weapons, and naval ships in the country.
The issues raised consternation from defence experts given the Solomons are located just 2,000 kilometres (1,240 miles) north-east of Australia.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Wale said he had not seen details of the deal until just visiting Australia….Â
New Solomons PM Orders Review After Gaining Access to Secret China Security Deal
