The mission has prompted Western leaders to urge regional counterparts to spurn any Chinese attempt to extend its security reach across the region.
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Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele said the agreement includes discussions about China establishing a police training centre.
Members of Samoa’s government meet with members of China’s delegation. Source: Facebook / Government of Samoa
“China… will further a consider a proposal… for a police training centre and support towards police infrastructure and assets given the country’s fragile security environment,” Mr Manele he said.
It arrived in Samoa on Friday night and was to depart for Fiji on Saturday afternoon, with other stops expected to be Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and East Timor.
“As do other Pacific islands, we think there are consequences. We think that it’s important that the security of the region be determined by the region. And historically, that has been the case. And we think that is a good thing.”
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The deal would include plans to train Pacific police officers, team up on “traditional and non-traditional security” and expand law enforcement cooperation.
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