SYDNEY (Reuters) – The Australian Federal Police said it had sent 100 officers to the Solomon Islands on Wednesday to boost security for the Pacific Games which starts next week.
The deployment of more Australian police to the Pacific Islands nation, which struck a policing deal with China this year, comes as Australia seeks to remain its primary security partner.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived in the Cook Islands on Wednesday to attend a meeting of the region’s 18-member bloc, the Pacific Islands Forum, amid security tensions between the United States and China.
Albanese said this week it was important for “Pacific family” to look after the “security interests of the region”.
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare is among four leaders who will not attend the annual Pacific Islands Forum meeting, instead sending a minister as he prepares to host the games, which open Nov. 19.
China, which donated the main sporting stadium for the Pacific Games, has previously said it would assist with security for the event, which is expected to draw 5000 athletes.
Australia, New Zealand and the United States are concerned Chinese police could dislodge a long-standing security arrangement Canberra has with the Pacific Islands nation.
In a statement, the Australian Federal Police said security for the games was being led by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force. At the request of the Solomon Islands, Australia Federal Police would assist across the capital Honiara and at games venues, it added.
(Reporting by Kirsty Needham; Editing by Alex Richardson)
