Solomon Islands Prime Minister Reviews China Security Pact in Canberra

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale announced in Canberra on June 3, 2026, that his government will review a secretive 2022 security pact with China. Wale, who took office in May, stated he only gained access to the agreement a day before his trip and had to remove certain officials from key positions to obtain the document. The original pact, signed under former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, sparked concerns in Australia and the United States regarding a potential Chinese naval presence in the South Pacific.

During his first overseas visit, Wale met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to seek a reset of bilateral relations following his predecessor's pivot toward Beijing. The two leaders committed to negotiating a new comprehensive strategic treaty covering economic and security issues. As part of this effort, Australia will provide $35 million in aid for energy shocks and Cyclone Maila recovery, double vocational scholarships to 1,500 by 2027, and allocate approximately $190 million to expand and train the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force through a partnership with the Australian Federal Police.

China's Foreign Ministry expressed readiness to cooperate with the new government. Meanwhile, Wale indicated he is also in discussions with the United States regarding critical infrastructure financing. Following the talks in Canberra, Wale is scheduled to travel to New Zealand to meet with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.