Solomon Islands PM demands transparency on treaties after China security review begins

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale has launched a review of the nation's security pact with China, vowing "no more secrecy" on treaties that bind the country. Wale, who took office after the 2022 agreement was signed, stated he was only allowed to read the document the day before a meeting in Canberra.

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I call on the Leader of the Opposition to support the review, this House must support the principle that no treaty should stand without the informed consent of Parliament.

Speaking in Parliament, Wale stressed that such a lack of disclosure must not happen again. He urged the current opposition leader, Manasseh Sogavare, who was prime minister when the China agreement was made, to support the review. This call comes amid Sogavare's own criticisms regarding transparency in a new security agreement Wale's government recently signed with the United States, which grants the U.S. Coast Guard increased access to the Solomons.

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If that is the standard, then it must apply to every agreement this country has signed and not just some.

"I call on the Leader of the Opposition to support the review, this House must support the principle that no treaty should stand without the informed consent of Parliament," Wale declared. He added, "If that is the standard, then it must apply to every agreement this country has signed and not just some." Wale, whose government is seen by observers as pivoting the Solomon Islands back towards Western partners, also reaffirmed China's importance as a partner, stating the nation remains "friends to all and enemies to none."

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no more secrecy