【Compilation/Observer Network Shi Yuxuan】
On September 16, the Solomon Islands abandoned the so-called "friendly relations" with Taiwan and went on to establish diplomatic relations with Chinese mainland. At a time when the Taiwan authorities were unable to do anything, Solomon's "good neighbors" were a little anxious. According to Reuters on October 7, Australia promised to build border posts to the Solomon Islands. Foreign media believe that this move is to "counteract" China's "growing influence" in the Pacific.
Australia has close ties with the Solomon Islands, and as early as June, the Guardian reported that Australia had aided the institute with $250 million due to Chinese influence. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison also said that "in the Pacific, we must step up to reflect the sense of existence."
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison visits the Solomon Islands on June 2 (Source: icphoto)
Reuters said the Pacific has been dominated by the United States and its allies since the end of World War II. In September, the Solomon Islands and Kiribati "severed diplomatic relations" with the Taiwan authorities and established diplomatic relations with the Chinese mainland. This shows that China's influence is growing day by day, so Australia's relationship with solomon islands and other developing Pacific countries has become more important.
Morrison and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Sogavare issued a joint statement on Monday saying Australia had built a border patrol boat post for the Solomon Islands and that the two countries cheered for security cooperation and friendship.
The two also said that "Australia's assistance in the construction of border posts will strengthen infrastructure and security cooperation between the two countries and support the border security of the Solomon Islands." ”
A joint statement from the Prime Minister's Media Office said the border patrol boat outpost project showed a "lasting and close friendship" between the two countries as part of Australia's "broader initiative" in the Pacific.
The project, which will be located in western Solomon Island, will "enhance surveillance, response and border protection capabilities," the potential cost of which is unclear.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time that foreign media have rendered the so-called "China's expansion of Influence in the Pacific".
As early as June, the Guardian reported that China was playing an increasing role in the Pacific region by investing in infrastructure and strengthening defense cooperation, which was a hot topic at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore at the time.
Australia used this as an excuse to provide $250 million in aid to the Solomon Islands. During Morrison's visit to the Solomon Islands, bilateral infrastructure projects were unveiled, which he described as one of the latest initiatives in the government's regional strategy.
Morrison declared, "In the Pacific, step up our presence" and "that's why my first official visit after the election was in our own community (referring to the Solomon Islands), where we can always make the biggest change." ”
The Solomon Islands were originally a British colony and became independent in 1978. Australia succeeded British influence there.