Australian, Solomon Islands ministers discuss China pact

By ROD McGUIRK
Associated Press

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australia’s Foreign Minister Marise Payne has met her Solomon Islands counterpart Jeremiah Manele for the first time since the South Pacific island nation signed a security pact with China. The agreement has raised concerns about Beijing’s encroachment on Australia’s doorstep. Payne said Saturday she met Manele as he transited through Australia. Payne’s office said in a statement Australia has deep concerns about the security agreement with China, including the lack of transparency. Australia’s minister for international development flew to the Solomon Islands on April 12 to unsuccessfully ask the government to abandon it. The United States said it will take unspecified action against the Solomon Islands should the agreement with China pose a threat to U.S. or allied interests.