The White House has threatened to retaliate should Beijing set up a military base in the Solomon Islands A display case is seen outside the Chinese Embassy in Honiara, Solomon Islands, April 2, 2022. © AP / Charley Piringi
The United States said on Friday it would respond if China builds a permanent military base in the Solomon Islands, warning such a move would create “significant concerns” after the country signed a security deal with Beijing earlier this month.
Following meetings between a high-level US delegation and top officials in the Solomon Islands, the White House issued a statement outlining what was discussed during the sit-down and issuing a warning over the nation’s growing ties with China.
Though the White House said “the United States respects the right of nations to make sovereign decisions in the best interests of their people,” it added that “if steps are taken [by China] to establish a de facto permanent military presence, power-projection capabilities, or a military installation… the United States would then have significant concerns and respond accordingly.” (RT)
