Beijing-Solomons Security Deal a ‘Sword in Australia’s Back’: Opposition Leader

[claireokc]

The opposition leader of the Solomon Islands has called the national government’s security deal with Beijing unnecessary for pacifying internal and external threats—saying any civil unrest was sorely the fault of the national government. Matthew Wale said secrecy around the deal with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was an “escalation by Prime Minister (Manasseh) Sogavare in his struggle with Malaita.” “How this deal will be used on the Malaita situation has direct implications on all provinces in Solomon Islands and governance broadly,” he said in an April 15 statement obtained by The Epoch Times. “A vibrant democracy is marked by the acceptance of a plurality of views and an inclusive embracive government.” ...

Source: https://www.theepochtimes.com/beijing-s ... 06035.html