The Australian prime minister has hinted that neighbouring Pacific nation Papua New Guinea has faced similar “pressure” from Beijing to agree to a security agreement like the Solomon Islands.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been busy defending Australia’s engagement with the South Pacific after the Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed on April 19 that it had “officially signed” a security pact that could open the door for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to station troops and weapons in the Solomon Islands.
Defence experts warn the move could lead to gradual militarisation of the region akin to the South China Sea and extend the reach of the People’s Liberation Army to within 1,700 kilometres of Australia’s northern city of Cairns.
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