Solomon Islands PM says he removed officials to access secret China deal

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale says he had to remove senior officials before he could gain access to the country's closely guarded security agreement with China.

He says this reveals the extent of the challenge facing his new government.

Speaking during an official visit to Canberra this week, Wale said he was unable to obtain a copy of the 2022 security pact until just before leaving for Australia.

"I have had to remove certain people from key positions. I haven't been afforded a copy even of that agreement until a day before I left," Wale told reporters.

"I haven't had a good look at it. I've had a look at it, I'll be honest with you but I haven't had a good look at it."

Wale's comments mark the clearest sign yet that he intends to take a different approach to the Solomon Islands' relationship with China after taking office last month following a vote of no-confidence that ousted former prime minister Jeremiah Manele.

Before taking office, Wale had repeatedly called for greater transparency around the security agreement signed under former prime minister Manasseh Sogavare, arguing that the public deserved to know more about its contents.

Now in government, he says the agreement will be reviewed alongside other security arrangements held by Solomon Islands.

"There is a nondisclosure clause in it, so I couldn't show it to you right away, but we are going to be reviewing as we are reviewing other security agreements that we have with many other countries."

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale and his wife, Veronica Ruala Waletofea, right, meet First Nations children in Canberra during Wale's first overseas visit since taking office three weeks ago. Photo/Prime Minister's Office, Solomon Islands

The China security pact sparked concern across the Pacific when it was signed in 2022, with Australia, New Zealand and the United States warning it could open the door to a greater Chinese security presence in the region.

During his visit to Canberra, Wale also signalled a broader shift in foreign policy, placing greater emphasis on cooperation with Pacific neighbours and traditional partners.

In a joint appearance with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the two leaders announced plans to negotiate a new bilateral treaty covering security and economic development.

Australia also pledged A$35 million (just over NZ$42 million) in support to help Solomon Islands recover from Tropical Cyclone Maila and ease pressure from rising fuel costs.

Wale and his cabinet delegation arrived in Wellington on Thursday evening after concluding talks in Canberra.

He is due to meet New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Friday for bilateral discussions expected to focus on regional security, development and Pacific cooperation.

Former Solomon Islands prime ministers Jeremiah Manele and Manasseh Sogavare: The security agreement signed with China under their governments is set to be reviewed by Prime Minister Matthew Wale as part of a wider reassessment of the country's security partnerships. Photo/PMN News composite

Wale's visit to Canberra was the first leg of his overseas engagements since becoming prime minister. He is expected to hold talks with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon as he outlines his government's foreign policy priorities.

As current chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, Wale said Pacific nations should look first to the region when dealing with security challenges.

"It will be important in such a treaty, both at the bilateral level, but perhaps also at some stage at the regional level, that the first reference point in these matters is within the region," he said.

"That I think is very important going forward. So, that's the direction we want to take."

The Solomon Islands has also agreed to work with the Pacific Police Support Group, a regional initiative designed to strengthen Pacific-led responses to security issues.

While Wale has made clear he wants closer engagement with Pacific partners, he has not indicated that Solomon Islands intends to end its relationship with China.

Instead, his government appears focused on reviewing existing agreements while expanding partnerships with other countries.

Wale's government has not indicated whether it will keep, change or scrap the China security agreement. But his decision to review the pact, while strengthening ties with Pacific neighbours and traditional partners, signals a major shift in direction for Solomon Islands diplomacy.

He is due to meet Luxon in Wellington on Friday.