I would like tentatively to share the insights of Ms. Patricia O’Brien, an adjunct fellow (non-resident) with the Asia Program and Pacific Partners Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C.
In recent days, the Solomon Islands has once again been the subject of intense focus since a leaked draft security agreement with the People’s Republic of China began circulating on social media.
The six-article “Framework Agreement” is laden with vaguely defined terms and powers that would permit enormous People’s Republic of China inroads into the Solomon Islands.
It would allow China to operate large-scale and varied military and intelligence operations and become heavily involved in maintaining civic order through the deployment of “police, armed police, military personnel and other law enforcement and armed forces.”
The Solomon Islands’ sovereignty would supposedly be protected by thinly detailed triggers and powers controlling Chinese intervention, such as the power of activation for the agreement and “consent” for Chinese naval visits being retained by the Solomon Islands’ government.
