Minister declares no military base

China’s Foreign Minister says China has ‘‘no intention at all’’ of building a military base in Solomon Islands.

Wang Yi, who has been in Honiara as part of a tour of Pacific Island states, said the security agreement Beijing sealed last month with the Manasseh Sogavare government was ‘‘above board, with honesty and integrity’’.

A leaked draft of the security agreement contains a provision that would allow Chinese naval deployments to the Solomons.

At a news conference in Honiara following his meeting with the Solomons foreign minister Jeremiah Manele, Wang said the agreement has not been imposed on anyone, nor is it targeted at any third party.

Wang also said China respected existing international relationships with Pacific countries and would explore joining three-way partnerships with them.

Australia’s former government, toppled in 21 May elections, had said that any move to create a Chinese military base would amount to crossing a ‘‘red line’’ without specifying the consequences. New Zealand and the United States have also expressed concern about the security arrangement between China and Honiara.

But Wang countered: ‘‘China’s co-operation with Pacific island countries does not target any country and should not be interfered or disrupted by any other country.’’

He also took a swipe at previous Australian governments which described the Pacific Islands as being in the country’s ‘‘backyard’’.

‘‘They are not the backyard of anyone. All the Pacific island countries are entitled to make their own choice instead of being just mere followers of others,’’ he said. ‘‘Any smears and attacks on the normal security co-operation between China and Solomon Islands are not above the board and any such disruption will not get anywhere.’’

Wang appeared to extend an olive branch to other Pacific powers, though, saying China respected existing international relationships with Pacific Island countries and would explore joining three-way partnerships with them.

The security pact helps the Solomon Islands government to safeguard stability and long term security, he said. – RNZ