Sawt Falasteen - Solomon Islands says China security pact to remain secret

The controversial deal struck in 2022 rattled Washington and Canberra because of concern it opened the door to a permanent Chinese military presence in the South Pacific.

Speaking last week in Australia, the Solomons' new Prime Minister Matthew Wale said his cabinet would review the deal, which he admitted he had not seen until just before his visit.

On Wednesday, Wale said his government cannot publicly disclose the details of the deal because of legal restrictions.

"Unfortunately, the China Security Agreement includes a non-disclosure provision," Wale told reporters in the Solomons capital Honiara after returning from Australia and New Zealand, in comments carried by local media.

"It is legally binding and was entered into by the previous government.

"We are unable to disclose its contents," he said.

His office confirmed to AFP on Thursday that the deal would have to remain secret.

The agreement was signed under one of Wale's predecessors, Manasseh Sogavare, who was seen as Beijing's staunchest ally in the South Pacific.

Elected prime minister last month pledging change, Wale as opposition leader had called for the agreement to be made public.

At the press briefing in Honiara, he said any future international treaties should have parliamentary oversight.

He said previously strained relations with Australia and New Zealand had been improved on his visit.

"The Solomon Islands will not be the source of uncertainty and instability for the region when it comes to security," he said.

R.Shaban--SF-PST