Australia to Boost Police Support to Solomon Islands Amid Competition with China
Australia has pledged more than $100 million to enhance its police force in the Solomon Islands, as part of a significant financial commitment. This move is targeted at developing the self-sufficiency of the Pacific nation in matters of security and reducing its reliance on external partners, stated Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
The funding, worth A$190 million ($118 million USD), will be allocated over four years and comprises training, infrastructure, and resources for the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force. In comments to journalists in Canberra, Albanese highlighted the investment as further evidence of Australia's standing as the "security partner of choice" for the Solomon Islands.
Strategic Competition in the Pacific
The Solomon Islands have become a focal point of geopolitical competition between Western allies and China. The most serious escalation began in 2022, when the government of the Solomon Islands, then led by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, signed a controversial security deal with Beijing. The agreement sent a wave of concern through both Australia and the United States over China's growing influence in the strategically significant Pacific region.
In a statement in company with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, Albanese underscored the common objective of building "an enduring sovereign security capability" for the country. This, he said, would eventually reduce the Solomon Islands' reliance on foreign security assistance.
The Current Security Landscape
The Solomon Islands have housed a small Chinese police presence since 2022. In fact, the most recent deployment of Chinese police arrived just last month in the capital of Honiara. It adds to a complex security architecture of the region.
Australia has a long history of providing security support to the Solomon Islands. Australian police were deployed between 2003 and 2017 following internal conflicts and returned in 2021 to assist during riots and support national elections scheduled for this year.
Mihai Sora, the Lowy Institute's Pacific Islands program director, called the Solomon Islands' security sector "highly contested." He said Australia's funding commitment keeps it actively engaged in the region, but he was skeptical it would significantly alter the pace of competition with China.
Balancing Partnerships
Prime Minister Manele's government has sought to strengthen the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, requesting funds to double its size from 1,500 to 3,000 officers during a visit to Canberra in June. However, Sora noted that while Manele has welcomed Australia's additional support, he has not indicated any intention to scale back security ties with China.
This balancing act underlines the Solomon Islands' strategy of leveraging relationships with multiple partners to address its domestic and strategic needs. As Australia and China continue their competition for influence, the Solomon Islands' approach will remain a critical factor in shaping the security landscape of the Pacific region.
Conclusion
This effort shows that Australia is trying its best to retain its influence, if not contain the ever-increasing influence of China, by investing in the police force in the Solomon Islands. But given that security partnerships in the Pacific are becoming increasingly complex, long-term outcomes of such a funding initiative are moot. How the Solomon Islands manage this competing relationship would determine the future balance of power in the region.