Liberal frontbencher, Simon Birmingham, has urged the Albanese government to avoid an arms race with Beijing following the Chinese regime’s counter donation of police equipment and vehicles to the Solomon Islands.
This follows a donation of 13 vehicles and 60 MK18 rifles made by the Australian Federal Police to the Solomon Islands that was formalised in Honiara on Nov. 2.
Speaking to Sky News host Kenny Heatly on Nov. 4, Birmingham said Australia’s commitment in supplying security support to the Solomon Islands has been ongoing since the time of the Howard government.
When asked whether Australia was now in arms race with Beijing following reports of China’s donations, Birmingham said Australia “certainly shouldn’t be (in an arms race).”…