Australia has recently announced a series of agreements with Pacific Island nations, aimed at countering China's growing influence in the region. The announcements, made over a span of 12 days and timed for the Christmas season, are the result of extensive diplomatic efforts.
On Friday, Australia revealed a 190 million Australian dollar (approximately $118 million) deal to assist the Solomon Islands in expanding its police force over the next four years. This agreement comes amid heightened competition between China and the United States for influence in the Solomon Islands, which signed a controversial security pact with China in 2022.
The 2022 pact allowed China to send armed police or military personnel to the Solomon Islands, raising concerns in both Canberra and Washington. In response, the Biden administration has intensified its diplomatic engagement in the Pacific, encouraging Australia to enhance its presence in the region.
Despite the new Australian agreement, there are no commitments from the Solomon Islands to alter their existing arrangements with China. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the deal would reduce the need for external support.
In a prior visit, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele had requested assistance from Australia to strengthen his country's police force. While the new policing deal marks a significant step for Australia, experts suggest it does not sufficiently address concerns over potential Chinese military involvement.
In addition to the Solomon Islands agreement, Australia has also signed a treaty with Nauru, which includes a commitment from Nauru not to enter into security agreements without consulting Australia in exchange for $90 million in financial support. Furthermore, Australia announced plans to establish a National Rugby League team in Papua New Guinea, committing approximately $375 million over a decade.
These agreements come as a security partnership between Australia and Papua New Guinea takes effect, with provisions allowing Australia to withdraw funding if Papua New Guinea engages in security arrangements that conflict with its commitments to Australia.
Overall, Australia is pledging to invest 930 million Australian dollars (around $600 million) across these three initiatives, reinforcing its role in the Pacific region, which already constitutes 44 percent of Australia's foreign aid.