Solomon Islands Strengthen Ties with China through Policing Pact

The Solomon Islands has signed an agreement with China to enhance cooperation on law enforcement and security matters, raising concerns among traditional partners such as Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. The details of the agreement were not immediately released, but it is part of the Solomon Islands' efforts to build a comprehensive strategic partnership with China. China has been expanding its presence in the South Pacific, and the Solomon Islands switched official recognition from Taiwan to Beijing in 2019. The agreement follows a secretive security pact signed in 2022, and China has already provided police training and equipment to the Solomon Islands. The United States has responded by committing to reopen an embassy in the capital and increasing engagement with the region.