The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy recently launched a submarine-launched strategic missile into the Pacific Ocean, drawing concern from Australia and several Pacific island countries. After meeting with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale on Tuesday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Wale both expressed concerns over the incident, warning that such actions could intensify military competition in the region.
As an important member of the Pacific Island community, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale said that China is a friend of his country, but “friends should not behave this way”. He said that no country, including China, the United States or other military powers, should conduct intercontinental ballistic missile tests in the Pacific region. He also emphasised the need for Pacific countries to establish stronger regional cooperation platforms to collectively address security challenges.
Wale’s criticism was also echoed by other Pacific nations. Leaders from Fiji and Papua New Guinea similarly expressed concerns. Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape said that the Pacific region had previously experienced the consequences of wars, nuclear testing and military activities imposed by major powers, adding that “we do not want history to repeat itself”.
Over the past several years, Solomon Islands has been regarded as one of China’s closest partners in the Pacific region. In 2022, the government of then-Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare signed a security cooperation agreement with China, raising concerns from Australia and Western countries over Beijing’s expanding security influence in the region.
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As a Pacific island nation that previously developed close relations with China, Wale’s description of China’s missile test as something “friends should not do” reflects Solomon Islands’ gradual shift towards a different diplomatic approach from the previous government. Beyond publicly criticising China’s military activity, Wale has also pledged after taking office to review the security agreement signed between the previous government and the Chinese Communist Party.
The shift in Solomon Islands’ position carries important strategic significance for Australia. In recent years, Australia has been working to repair relations with Pacific island nations in response to China’s growing influence in the region. If even Solomon Islands, which previously established close security cooperation with China, begins expressing concerns over Beijing’s military activities, it could help Australia further strengthen its influence in the South Pacific.