Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale declared on 7/7 that his nation strongly opposes a recent Chinese missile test, stating, "China is a good friend of the Solomon Islands, and this is not something a friend should do. We do not want anyone testing intercontinental ballistic missiles in the Pacific region. Be our friend, don't threaten us." The statement came one day after China test-fired a missile from a nuclear submarine into the Pacific. Monitoring organizations reported the simulated warhead likely landed in waters between the Solomon Islands, Nauru, and Tuvalu.
Wale said he directly conveyed a protest message to the Chinese ambassador in Honiara, acting as Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). The Solomon Islands government also submitted an official protest note.
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Image of a Chinese submarine test-firing a missile, released on 6/7. *Photo: Chinese Navy*. |
The Solomon Islands is considered one of China's closest partners in the South Pacific. The two countries signed a security agreement in 2022, sparking speculation that China aims for a long-term military presence in the region. However, since taking office early this year, Prime Minister Wale has adopted a more cautious stance and pledged to review the bilateral security agreement.
Wale's remarks came during Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to Honiara. Albanese said Canberra expects to sign a comprehensive cooperation treaty with the Solomon Islands before the end of this year. "We will cooperate closely to realize shared ambitions and elevate relations, based on trust, respect, and open dialogue," Albanese added.
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Location of the Solomon Islands (in orange box). *Graphic: Britannica*. |
The Chinese Navy announced a test launch of a strategic missile with a simulated warhead in international waters in the Pacific, the first such announcement in two years. Beijing said this was an annual training exercise, that relevant countries had been notified in advance, and that the launch was not aimed at any specific country or target.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning also urged countries not to "over-interpret" the test, asserting the activity complied with international law and practice, and was conducted "safely, orderly, and professionally."
By Thanh Danh (AFP, Guardian)
