This is definitely changing the geopolitical calculus.
Given that China faces resistance from Southeast Asian countries over its territorial claims and activities in the South China Sea (Vietnam calls it East Sea and the Philippines calls it West Philippine Sea), China is trying to gain influence and access in the South Pacific instead and has kind of succeeded with the Solomon Islands.
In response, the US held a U.S.- Pacific Islands Summit in Washington DC in September 2022 to revive relationships with South Pacific countries with the U.S.-Pacific Partnership. They just met again in May this year in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
This policing pact between China and the Solomon Islands is newsworthy because it potentially puts Australia within striking distance of the Chinese military in a regional conflict since the Solomon Islands is in Australia’s backyard.
This is definitely changing the geopolitical calculus.
Given that China faces resistance from Southeast Asian countries over its territorial claims and activities in the South China Sea (Vietnam calls it East Sea and the Philippines calls it West Philippine Sea), China is trying to gain influence and access in the South Pacific instead and has kind of succeeded with the Solomon Islands.
In response, the US held a U.S.- Pacific Islands Summit in Washington DC in September 2022 to revive relationships with South Pacific countries with the U.S.-Pacific Partnership. They just met again in May this year in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
This policing pact between China and the Solomon Islands is newsworthy because it potentially puts Australia within striking distance of the Chinese military in a regional conflict since the Solomon Islands is in Australia’s backyard.
And Australia has a lot of US onshore bases. Cool cool cool.