Solomon Islands leader Matthew Wale lodges a strong protest with China over a missile test, while hosting Australian PM Albanese for treaty talks.
SYDNEY: Solomon Islands leader Matthew Wale said Tuesday he had lodged a “strong protest” with Chinese diplomats on behalf of Pacific nations concerned by Beijing’s recent missile test.
A Chinese submarine on Monday test-fired what observers described as a long range nuclear-capable missile that splashed down in the Pacific Ocean.
The test was widely condemned by Australia, New Zealand and Japan — although smaller Pacific nations have so far avoided making any comments.
“As chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, I have registered my strong protest with the ambassador,” said Wale, referring to the region’s top political bloc.
“Solomon Islands has also lodged a protest note,” he told reporters in the capital Honiara.
Wale’s criticism is noteworthy given Solomon Islands has for years been one of China’s closest partners in the South Pacific.
“China is a good friend of Solomon Islands, but this is not something a friend does,” Wale said.
“We don’t want anyone testing their ICBMs in the Pacific region.
“Be our friend, but don’t threaten us.”
Monitors said the rocket appeared to land in a patch of ocean somewhere between Solomon Islands, Nauru and Tuvalu.
China signed a secretive security pact with the Solomon Islands in 2022, stoking fears it could one day lead to a permanent military presence in the region.
But Wale has shown a slightly cooler attitude towards Beijing since he was elected prime minister earlier this year — and has committed to reviewing the agreement.
Wale’s comments on the missile came as he hosted a visit from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Albanese said he was hoping to secure a “comprehensive” treaty with Solomon Islands by the end of the year.
“We’ll be working closely together to capture our shared ambition and to elevate our relationship, underpinned by mutual trust, respect and open dialogue,” Albanese told reporters in Honiara.
