Former China hawk elected as Solomon Islands' new leader
Solomon Islands' parliament elected a former 'China hawk' as the country's new prime minister, a week after the pro-Beijing incumbent lost a vote of no confidence. The new leader said he will renegotiate the scope of the security pact signed with Beijing. Australia and the United States welcomed the result.
The Solomon Islands parliament chose a former foreign minister as the new prime minister, replacing the pro-Beijing incumbent who lost a no-confidence vote last week. The new leader said the 2022 security pact, which allows Chinese police to deploy on the islands, will be renegotiated. The vote in parliament was 36 to 12.
The prime minister said his first foreign visit will be to Australia, while also stressing that economic ties with Beijing will not be cut. The new government is said to be working with Australia on a new financial framework for fisheries and maritime infrastructure. China's foreign ministry described the result as an 'internal matter' and said ongoing cooperation projects will continue.
The United States and New Zealand called the outcome significant for the balance of power in the Pacific. The terms for ports built under the previous government will be reviewed. Local opposition voices warn that unwinding mutual economic dependence on Beijing will not be quick or easy.
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