Latest news with #MelanesianSpearheadGroup
Asahi Shimbun
5 hours ago
- Business
- Asahi Shimbun
Pacific Islands delay security plan that could open door to China
A grocery store run by a Chinese man in Honiara, Solomon Islands, displays flags of China and the Solomon Islands on the wall on May 29, 2020. (The Asahi Shimbun) SYDNEY--Leaders of the four biggest Pacific Islands nations have delayed adopting a joint security strategy that could provide an opening for Beijing, against a backdrop of increasing rivalry between China, Australia and the United States in the Pacific Ocean. The Melanesian Spearhead Group, which includes Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Fiji, had been negotiating its first joint security framework, focused on maritime security. A meeting of the group's leaders on Monday in Fiji delayed a decision, with Papua New Guinea's Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko telling Reuters the security strategy was yet to be agreed on. Discussions over Taiwan, among other matters, and how to accommodate the different positions of members was challenging, he said on Thursday. The inter-government group, courted by Beijing which funded its headquarters in Vanuatu, has previously said it would consider China as a security partner. The Pacific's bigger diplomatic bloc, the 18-member Pacific Islands Forum, has rejected China security ties and said instead the Pacific should provide its own security. Among the Melanesian Spearhead Group nations, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu are seen as the closest to Beijing with policing ties, while Papua New Guinea has security deals with the United States and Australia, and Fiji has a defense partnership with Australia. Australia said on Thursday it would assist the Pacific Islands to counter illegal fishing by doubling funding to A$477 million ($312 million) for aerial maritime surveillance across millions of km (miles) of the Pacific, using civilian planes and drones. China, which operates the biggest fishing fleets, demonstrated its coast guard capabilities to 10 Pacific Islands ministers last month, prompting concern from some regional officials it may start patrolling the South Pacific, where the United States Coast Guard has increased activity. LARGEST TRADING PARTNER Australia's Pacific Minister Pat Conroy attended the Melanesian Spearhead Group meeting for the first time, sitting across the room from China's ambassador Zhou Jian at the Fiji discussions. China's embassy in Fiji said in a statement that the group was a 'crucial platform for promoting regional peace and stability.' In the meeting, Conroy highlighted that Australia is the largest trading partner of every member of the group. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele said in a statement that progress was made on the security strategy, with 'a firm commitment to collaborate with member countries and associate partners to enhance stability and peace throughout the region'. He did not specific which partners. In the Solomon Islands on Thursday, Conroy said Australia will provide 60 police vehicles, cyber security support and road upgrades for Honiara to host the Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in September. 'The Pacific is best served by Pacific-led institutions and processes,' he said in a statement. Solomon Islands is yet to formally respond to Australia's offer in December of A$100 million to expand its police force, Conroy said in a television interview. 'I made it clear that I don't think that China should be involved in policing in the Pacific,' he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Solomon Islands said it would fill any security gaps by seeking assistance from Melanesian countries, he added.
Reuters
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Reuters
Pacific Islands delay security plan that could open door to China
SYDNEY, June 26 (Reuters) - Leaders of the four biggest Pacific Islands nations have delayed adopting a joint security strategy that could provide an opening for Beijing, against a backdrop of increasing rivalry between China, Australia and the United States in the Pacific Ocean. The Melanesian Spearhead Group, which includes Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Fiji, had been negotiating its first joint security framework, focused on maritime security. A meeting of the group's leaders on Monday in Fiji delayed a decision, with Papua New Guinea's Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko telling Reuters the security strategy was yet to be agreed on. Discussions over Taiwan, among other matters, and how to accommodate the different positions of members was challenging, he said on Thursday. The inter-government group, courted by Beijing which funded its headquarters in Vanuatu, has previously said it would consider China as a security partner. The Pacific's bigger diplomatic bloc, the 18-member Pacific Islands Forum, has rejected China security ties and said instead the Pacific should provide its own security. Among the Melanesian Spearhead Group nations, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu are seen as the closest to Beijing with policing ties, while Papua New Guinea has security deals with the United States and Australia, and Fiji has a defence partnership with Australia. Australia said on Thursday it would assist the Pacific Islands to counter illegal fishing by doubling funding to A$477 million ($312 million) for aerial maritime surveillance across millions of km (miles) of the Pacific, using civilian planes and drones. China, which operates the biggest fishing fleets, demonstrated its coast guard capabilities to 10 Pacific Islands ministers last month, prompting concern from some regional officials it may start patrolling the South Pacific, where the United States Coast Guard has increased activity. Australia's Pacific Minister Pat Conroy attended the Melanesian Spearhead Group meeting for the first time, sitting across the room from China's ambassador Zhou Jian at the Fiji discussions. China's embassy in Fiji said in a statement that the group was a "crucial platform for promoting regional peace and stability". In the meeting, Conroy highlighted that Australia is the largest trading partner of every member of the group. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele said in a statement that progress was made on the security strategy, with "a firm commitment to collaborate with member countries and associate partners to enhance stability and peace throughout the region". He did not specific which partners. In the Solomon Islands on Thursday, Conroy said Australia will provide 60 police vehicles, cyber security support and road upgrades for Honiara to host the Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in September. "The Pacific is best served by Pacific-led institutions and processes," he said in a statement. Solomon Islands is yet to formally respond to Australia's offer in December of A$100 million to expand its police force, Conroy said in a television interview. "I made it clear that I don't think that China should be involved in policing in the Pacific," he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Solomon Islands said it would fill any security gaps by seeking assistance from Melanesian countries, he added. ($1 = 1.5312 Australian dollars)
Straits Times
6 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Pacific Islands delay security plan that could open door to China
SYDNEY - Leaders of the four biggest Pacific Islands nations have delayed adopting a joint security strategy that could provide an opening for Beijing, against a backdrop of increasing rivalry between China, Australia and the United States in the Pacific Ocean. The Melanesian Spearhead Group, which includes Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Fiji, had been negotiating its first joint security framework, focused on maritime security. A meeting of the group's leaders on June 23 in Fiji delayed a decision, with Papua New Guinea's Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko telling Reuters the security strategy was yet to be agreed on. Discussions over Taiwan, among other matters, and how to accommodate the different positions of members was challenging, he said on June 26. The inter-government group, courted by Beijing which funded its headquarters in Vanuatu, has previously said it would consider China as a security partner. The Pacific's bigger diplomatic bloc, the 18-member Pacific Islands Forum, has rejected China security ties and said instead the Pacific should provide its own security. Among the Melanesian Spearhead Group nations, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu are seen as the closest to Beijing with policing ties, while Papua New Guinea has security deals with the United States and Australia, and Fiji has a defence partnership with Australia. Australia said on June 26 it would assist the Pacific Islands to counter illegal fishing by doubling funding to A$477 million (S$397.46 million) for aerial maritime surveillance across millions of kilometres of the Pacific, using civilian planes and drones. China, which operates the biggest fishing fleets, demonstrated its coast guard capabilities to 10 Pacific Islands ministers in May, prompting concern from some regional officials it may start patrolling the South Pacific, where the United States Coast Guard has increased activity. Largest trading partner Australia's Pacific Minister Pat Conroy attended the Melanesian Spearhead Group meeting for the first time, sitting across the room from China's ambassador Zhou Jian at the Fiji discussions. China's embassy in Fiji said in a statement that the group was a "crucial platform for promoting regional peace and stability". In the meeting, Mr Conroy highlighted that Australia is the largest trading partner of every member of the group. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele said in a statement that progress was made on the security strategy, with "a firm commitment to collaborate with member countries and associate partners to enhance stability and peace throughout the region". He did not specific which partners. In the Solomon Islands on June 26, Mr Conroy said Australia will provide 60 police vehicles, cybersecurity support and road upgrades for Honiara to host the Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in September. "The Pacific is best served by Pacific-led institutions and processes," he said in a statement. Solomon Islands is yet to formally respond to Australia's offer in December of A$100 million to expand its police force, Mr Conroy said in a television interview. "I made it clear that I don't think that China should be involved in policing in the Pacific," he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Solomon Islands said it would fill any security gaps by seeking assistance from Melanesian countries, he added. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Advertiser
9 hours ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Australia offers fresh Solomons aid ahead of PIF Summit
Australia has announced $A11 million in support to improve roads in Solomon Islands as it prepares to host the Pacific Islands Forum leaders summit. Pacific Island Minister Pat Conroy unveiled the pledge in Honiara on Thursday along with a condition aimed squarely at Australia's geopolitical rival China. Australian officials are privately critical of Chinese foreign aid delivered by migrant workers in the Pacific, with Mr Conroy saying this funding would avoid the practice. "We are making sure our projects are delivered by local companies," he said. "This is the best way we can ensure economic benefits flow to Solomon Islands from day one, and that these projects create more jobs for locals." China is also delivering road upgrades in the notoriously choked-up Honiara, which relies on one key arterial road to service the capital's business districts and airport. Poor drainage also means that heavy rain can produce flooding to the central city. However, no country donates more aid to the Solomon Islands than Australia, a fact the government trumpets on billboards on the main Mendana Avenue. Australia's fresh funding will go towards 12 roads: four in the northern island of Malaita and eight in Honiara, the host of the regional summit in September. "We know the impact of deteriorating roads for getting to work, getting produce to market, getting children and family members to school or health services," Mr Conroy said. "Communities along Malaita's South Road were effectively cut off from essential services for over two years due to the South Road being impassable. "Farmers of Malaita's sweetest pineapples could not get to Auki market, women could not get to hospital for complicated child births, many children stopped going to school, and the price of goods doubled. "The reopening of the South Road last year – with support from Australia and the great work of local contractors – has restored that vital link from Auki to Bina and beyond." Mr Conroy announced another $A7 million in aid for the Tina River Hydro scheme, taking its total support for the renewable energy project to $A70 million. When complete, the mighty dam is expected to power two-thirds of Honiara's energy needs. The government has also pledged to double funding for surveillance of illegal fishing in the region,. The announcements wrapped up Mr Conroy's three-nation swing through the Pacific this week, including visits to Fiji and Papua New Guinea. In Suva, Mr Conroy became the first Australian minister invited to a Melanesian Spearhead Group meeting, holding bilateral talks with the prime ministers from all four member nations: Fiji, Vanuatu, PNG and Solomon Islands. The trip also took in Port Moresby, coinciding with the announcement of the inaugural board for the expansion NRL side entering the league. Australia has announced $A11 million in support to improve roads in Solomon Islands as it prepares to host the Pacific Islands Forum leaders summit. Pacific Island Minister Pat Conroy unveiled the pledge in Honiara on Thursday along with a condition aimed squarely at Australia's geopolitical rival China. Australian officials are privately critical of Chinese foreign aid delivered by migrant workers in the Pacific, with Mr Conroy saying this funding would avoid the practice. "We are making sure our projects are delivered by local companies," he said. "This is the best way we can ensure economic benefits flow to Solomon Islands from day one, and that these projects create more jobs for locals." China is also delivering road upgrades in the notoriously choked-up Honiara, which relies on one key arterial road to service the capital's business districts and airport. Poor drainage also means that heavy rain can produce flooding to the central city. However, no country donates more aid to the Solomon Islands than Australia, a fact the government trumpets on billboards on the main Mendana Avenue. Australia's fresh funding will go towards 12 roads: four in the northern island of Malaita and eight in Honiara, the host of the regional summit in September. "We know the impact of deteriorating roads for getting to work, getting produce to market, getting children and family members to school or health services," Mr Conroy said. "Communities along Malaita's South Road were effectively cut off from essential services for over two years due to the South Road being impassable. "Farmers of Malaita's sweetest pineapples could not get to Auki market, women could not get to hospital for complicated child births, many children stopped going to school, and the price of goods doubled. "The reopening of the South Road last year – with support from Australia and the great work of local contractors – has restored that vital link from Auki to Bina and beyond." Mr Conroy announced another $A7 million in aid for the Tina River Hydro scheme, taking its total support for the renewable energy project to $A70 million. When complete, the mighty dam is expected to power two-thirds of Honiara's energy needs. The government has also pledged to double funding for surveillance of illegal fishing in the region,. The announcements wrapped up Mr Conroy's three-nation swing through the Pacific this week, including visits to Fiji and Papua New Guinea. In Suva, Mr Conroy became the first Australian minister invited to a Melanesian Spearhead Group meeting, holding bilateral talks with the prime ministers from all four member nations: Fiji, Vanuatu, PNG and Solomon Islands. The trip also took in Port Moresby, coinciding with the announcement of the inaugural board for the expansion NRL side entering the league. Australia has announced $A11 million in support to improve roads in Solomon Islands as it prepares to host the Pacific Islands Forum leaders summit. Pacific Island Minister Pat Conroy unveiled the pledge in Honiara on Thursday along with a condition aimed squarely at Australia's geopolitical rival China. Australian officials are privately critical of Chinese foreign aid delivered by migrant workers in the Pacific, with Mr Conroy saying this funding would avoid the practice. "We are making sure our projects are delivered by local companies," he said. "This is the best way we can ensure economic benefits flow to Solomon Islands from day one, and that these projects create more jobs for locals." China is also delivering road upgrades in the notoriously choked-up Honiara, which relies on one key arterial road to service the capital's business districts and airport. Poor drainage also means that heavy rain can produce flooding to the central city. However, no country donates more aid to the Solomon Islands than Australia, a fact the government trumpets on billboards on the main Mendana Avenue. Australia's fresh funding will go towards 12 roads: four in the northern island of Malaita and eight in Honiara, the host of the regional summit in September. "We know the impact of deteriorating roads for getting to work, getting produce to market, getting children and family members to school or health services," Mr Conroy said. "Communities along Malaita's South Road were effectively cut off from essential services for over two years due to the South Road being impassable. "Farmers of Malaita's sweetest pineapples could not get to Auki market, women could not get to hospital for complicated child births, many children stopped going to school, and the price of goods doubled. "The reopening of the South Road last year – with support from Australia and the great work of local contractors – has restored that vital link from Auki to Bina and beyond." Mr Conroy announced another $A7 million in aid for the Tina River Hydro scheme, taking its total support for the renewable energy project to $A70 million. When complete, the mighty dam is expected to power two-thirds of Honiara's energy needs. The government has also pledged to double funding for surveillance of illegal fishing in the region,. The announcements wrapped up Mr Conroy's three-nation swing through the Pacific this week, including visits to Fiji and Papua New Guinea. In Suva, Mr Conroy became the first Australian minister invited to a Melanesian Spearhead Group meeting, holding bilateral talks with the prime ministers from all four member nations: Fiji, Vanuatu, PNG and Solomon Islands. The trip also took in Port Moresby, coinciding with the announcement of the inaugural board for the expansion NRL side entering the league. Australia has announced $A11 million in support to improve roads in Solomon Islands as it prepares to host the Pacific Islands Forum leaders summit. Pacific Island Minister Pat Conroy unveiled the pledge in Honiara on Thursday along with a condition aimed squarely at Australia's geopolitical rival China. Australian officials are privately critical of Chinese foreign aid delivered by migrant workers in the Pacific, with Mr Conroy saying this funding would avoid the practice. "We are making sure our projects are delivered by local companies," he said. "This is the best way we can ensure economic benefits flow to Solomon Islands from day one, and that these projects create more jobs for locals." China is also delivering road upgrades in the notoriously choked-up Honiara, which relies on one key arterial road to service the capital's business districts and airport. Poor drainage also means that heavy rain can produce flooding to the central city. However, no country donates more aid to the Solomon Islands than Australia, a fact the government trumpets on billboards on the main Mendana Avenue. Australia's fresh funding will go towards 12 roads: four in the northern island of Malaita and eight in Honiara, the host of the regional summit in September. "We know the impact of deteriorating roads for getting to work, getting produce to market, getting children and family members to school or health services," Mr Conroy said. "Communities along Malaita's South Road were effectively cut off from essential services for over two years due to the South Road being impassable. "Farmers of Malaita's sweetest pineapples could not get to Auki market, women could not get to hospital for complicated child births, many children stopped going to school, and the price of goods doubled. "The reopening of the South Road last year – with support from Australia and the great work of local contractors – has restored that vital link from Auki to Bina and beyond." Mr Conroy announced another $A7 million in aid for the Tina River Hydro scheme, taking its total support for the renewable energy project to $A70 million. When complete, the mighty dam is expected to power two-thirds of Honiara's energy needs. The government has also pledged to double funding for surveillance of illegal fishing in the region,. The announcements wrapped up Mr Conroy's three-nation swing through the Pacific this week, including visits to Fiji and Papua New Guinea. In Suva, Mr Conroy became the first Australian minister invited to a Melanesian Spearhead Group meeting, holding bilateral talks with the prime ministers from all four member nations: Fiji, Vanuatu, PNG and Solomon Islands. The trip also took in Port Moresby, coinciding with the announcement of the inaugural board for the expansion NRL side entering the league.
West Australian
12 hours ago
- Business
- West Australian
Australia offers fresh Solomons aid ahead of PIF Summit
Australia has announced $A11 million in support to improve roads in Solomon Islands as it prepares to host the Pacific Islands Forum leaders summit. Pacific Island Minister Pat Conroy unveiled the pledge in Honiara on Thursday along with a condition aimed squarely at Australia's geopolitical rival China. Australian officials are privately critical of Chinese foreign aid delivered by migrant workers in the Pacific, with Mr Conroy saying this funding would avoid the practice. "We are making sure our projects are delivered by local companies," he said. "This is the best way we can ensure economic benefits flow to Solomon Islands from day one, and that these projects create more jobs for locals." China is also delivering road upgrades in the notoriously choked-up Honiara, which relies on one key arterial road to service the capital's business districts and airport. Poor drainage also means that heavy rain can produce flooding to the central city. However, no country donates more aid to the Solomon Islands than Australia, a fact the government trumpets on billboards on the main Mendana Avenue. Australia's fresh funding will go towards 12 roads: four in the northern island of Malaita and eight in Honiara, the host of the regional summit in September. "We know the impact of deteriorating roads for getting to work, getting produce to market, getting children and family members to school or health services," Mr Conroy said. "Communities along Malaita's South Road were effectively cut off from essential services for over two years due to the South Road being impassable. "Farmers of Malaita's sweetest pineapples could not get to Auki market, women could not get to hospital for complicated child births, many children stopped going to school, and the price of goods doubled. "The reopening of the South Road last year – with support from Australia and the great work of local contractors – has restored that vital link from Auki to Bina and beyond." Mr Conroy announced another $A7 million in aid for the Tina River Hydro scheme, taking its total support for the renewable energy project to $A70 million. When complete, the mighty dam is expected to power two-thirds of Honiara's energy needs. The government has also pledged to double funding for surveillance of illegal fishing in the region,. The announcements wrapped up Mr Conroy's three-nation swing through the Pacific this week, including visits to Fiji and Papua New Guinea. In Suva, Mr Conroy became the first Australian minister invited to a Melanesian Spearhead Group meeting, holding bilateral talks with the prime ministers from all four member nations: Fiji, Vanuatu, PNG and Solomon Islands. The trip also took in Port Moresby, coinciding with the announcement of the inaugural board for the expansion NRL side entering the league.
