Australia, Solomon Islands to pursue comprehensive strategic treaty

Australia and the Solomon Islands will begin negotiations on a comprehensive strategic treaty, signaling a renewed push to strengthen ties as the Solomon Islands leans toward Beijing. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale announced the plan in Sydney on Wednesday, with Wale on his first overseas trip since taking office. The move follows the 2019 switch from Taiwan to China and a 2022 security pact with Beijing whose details remain undisclosed.

Leaders also agreed to enhance policing cooperation, including training to grow the Solomon Islands police and a new academy in Honiara planned for 2028. Wale said that his Cabinet would review the security pact alongside similar deals, underscoring Canberra’s diplomatic win amid broader regional competition with Beijing.