Last week, a draft military agreement between the Solomon Islands and China was leaked on social media.

The agreement included a potential Chinese military base in the nation, which alarmed the governments of Australia and New Zealand.

Australia has been a major player in the Solomon’s for decades; providing aid, police and military support.

Questions have since been asked as to why they would choose China over Australia

Nelson Scott asked former diplomat at the Australian High Comission in Honiara and project Director of the Australia-PNG Network, Mihai Sora, about the significance of a Chinese military base in the pacific for Australia.

Produced By: Nelson Scott

Featured In Story: Mihai Sora, Director of the Australia-PNG Network

First aired on The Wire, Monday 28 March 2022