World
Solomon Islands: Australia says it will send more police to Solomon Islands, extend mission
SYDNEY: Australia stated on Sunday it could ship extra police to the Solomon Islands to spice up safety for the Pacific Video games in November, preserving them there till June to help with a common election.
The prolonged Australian police presence comes after the Solomon Islands upgraded ties with China, signing a policing settlement in July. Australia, New Zealand and the US are involved Chinese language police might dislodge a long-standing safety association Canberra has with the Pacific Islands nation.
The Solomon Islands stated on Friday it had invited Australia to increase the police presence, initially because of finish in December.
Australia was the Pacific Islands nation’s “main safety associate”, a spokesperson for Australia’s division of overseas affairs and commerce stated in an announcement on Sunday. The Australian police will work alongside officers from Fiji, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
“On the request of the Solomon Islands Government, Australia has prolonged its contribution to the Solomons Worldwide Help Power (SIAF) till June 2024 to help with safety for the nationwide common elections,” the assertion stated.
The Australian police contingent arrived in December 2021 to quell anti-government riots, whereas Chinese language police trainers arrived this yr to arrange for the video games.
Greater than 5,000 athletes from two dozen nations are anticipated to attend the video games, for which China has donated and constructed stadiums and different venues.
China stepped up its funding for infrastructure after prime minister Manasseh Sogavare switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing in 2019. The Solomon Islands final yr signed a safety pact with China, elevating concern in Canberra and Washington about Beijing’s naval ambitions.
The prolonged Australian police presence comes after the Solomon Islands upgraded ties with China, signing a policing settlement in July. Australia, New Zealand and the US are involved Chinese language police might dislodge a long-standing safety association Canberra has with the Pacific Islands nation.
The Solomon Islands stated on Friday it had invited Australia to increase the police presence, initially because of finish in December.
Australia was the Pacific Islands nation’s “main safety associate”, a spokesperson for Australia’s division of overseas affairs and commerce stated in an announcement on Sunday. The Australian police will work alongside officers from Fiji, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
“On the request of the Solomon Islands Government, Australia has prolonged its contribution to the Solomons Worldwide Help Power (SIAF) till June 2024 to help with safety for the nationwide common elections,” the assertion stated.
The Australian police contingent arrived in December 2021 to quell anti-government riots, whereas Chinese language police trainers arrived this yr to arrange for the video games.
Greater than 5,000 athletes from two dozen nations are anticipated to attend the video games, for which China has donated and constructed stadiums and different venues.
China stepped up its funding for infrastructure after prime minister Manasseh Sogavare switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing in 2019. The Solomon Islands final yr signed a safety pact with China, elevating concern in Canberra and Washington about Beijing’s naval ambitions.
