Taiwan’s foreign ministry is urging the Solomon Islands not to become a “pawn” in China’s military expansion in the Indo-Pacific region. That comes after details emerged of a secret security agreement between China and the island nation.
The draft agreement would allow the Solomon Islands government to request aid from China’s state security, law enforcement and military. Australia and New Zealand have expressed concern about the threat to their national security.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Joanne Ou said during a press conference on Thursday that Taiwan’s position is similar to that of Australia and New Zealand. She says Taiwanese authorities are gravely concerned about the developments. According to Ou, the deal threatens regional security, upsets the status quo and disrupts military supply lines of Taiwan’s democratic allies.
Ou says Taiwan will continue working with like-minded countries to uphold a rules-based international order as well as peace and stability in the region.