Solomon Islands elects former China hawk as new prime minister
Solomon Islands' parliament has elected a politician known for his criticism of the country's security pact with Beijing as the new prime minister. The new government has signalled a review of close ties with China.
In a parliamentary vote in Honiara, the former opposition leader secured enough support to be elected prime minister. After taking the oath, he said his government will review the country's foreign policy priorities, including the 2022 security pact signed with China.
Throughout the campaign, the new leader had stressed the importance of regional security ties with Australia, New Zealand and the United States. The previous government's closer alignment with Beijing had made China's growing military footprint in the Pacific a central political issue.
The result carries strategic weight for the regional balance of power. Canberra and Wellington welcomed the outcome, while Beijing said it remains committed to existing agreements with Honiara. The new government has flagged the budget and foreign aid files as top priorities.
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