A Pacific-wide pact is needed to counter major powers such as China trying to flex their muscles in the region, the Solomon Islands prime minister says.
China fired a nuclear capable long-range intercontinental ballistic missile from a submarine on July 6 within hours of Australia and Fiji announcing a new defence alliance.
Marking Solomon Islands’ independence day in Honiara, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on July 7 labelled the missile launch “provocative.”
His counterpart Matthew Wale, who is also the chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, said he had registered his “strong protest” over the incident.
“This is not something a friend does, this is not good in our region,” he told reporters….
Solomon Islands Leader Calls for Regional Pact After Beijing’s Missile Test
