Alarmed by Solomon Islands-China pact, NZ finds its voice on security

17/5/2022 12:26

        New Zealand has long been seen as the moderate, even absent, voice on China in the "Five Eyes" western alliance, so much so that its commitment to the
        group was questioned just 12 months ago.
        
        The recent signing of a security pact between China and nearby Solomon Islands appears to have changed that.
        
        New Zealand's tone on both security and Beijing's growing presence in the South Pacific has toughened, a shift analysts say reflects concerns the agreement will give Beijing a strategic foothold and potentially a military presence in the Pacific that could destabilise Western influence.
        
        Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern described the pact as "gravely concerning" and called on Solomon Islands to discuss it within the Pacific Islands Forum.