Prime Minister Scott Morrison says a military base in the Solomon Islands would be the “red line” for Australia following recent revelations that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) had signed a security deal with Pacific nation that could open the door for Beijing to station troops and weapons in the region.
Morrison’s comments comes after a U.S. delegation, led by Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell, wrapped up a meeting with Solomons Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, where they engaged in a “substantial discussion” around the implications of the deal.
A later statement from the White House warned that the United States would “respond accordingly” if Beijing were to set up a military presence. The delegation also met with religious leaders and key members of the political opposition who have raised concerns about the agreement.
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