Beijing-Honiara pact leaked by 'lunatics and agents of foreign regimes' says Sogavare

Kelvin Anthony​, RNZ Pacific regional correspondent

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Mannasseh Sogavare says the leak of a draft security pact between Beijing and Honiara was done by "lunatics and agents of foreign regimes" with "no regard for secrecy."

The Pacific country has drawn criticism from Australia and New Zealand after a draft copy of the security agreement being brokered with China was leaked.

In a parliamentary statement on Tuesday, Sogavare brushed off accusations that a new China-Solomon Islands security treaty would diminish the role of its traditional security partners in the region.

Sogavare said his country's relationship with allies in Australia and New Zealand will "always remain important."

But he said the Solomon Islands finds it "insulting to be branded as unfit to manage its sovereign affairs."

He said the country's security needs are informed by its national interest to "provide a safe, secure nation" for all its citizens.

"In this context, Solomon Islands will seek partnerships with friendly foreign governments. This is part of the vision of the national security strategy especially in maintaining our security needs," Sogavare said.

"The Melanesian nation seeks "cooperation and understanding" concerning its security needs," Sogavare said.

He said the long-time partners will "remain close in our hearts" as partners of choice in difficult times.

But he said the two nations need to understand the needs of Solomon Islands.

He said Pacific countries have a collective duty to keep the region safe.

"And discussions in the Australian public media encouraging an invasion into the Solomon Islands to force a regime change does nothing to strengthen our bilateral relations.

"When a helpless mouse is concerned by vicious cats it will do anything to survive," Sogavare said. - RNZ