Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Japan to send envoy to Solomons amid worry over China pact

Japan is sending a vice foreign minister to the Solomon Islands amid worry over a security agreement it struck with China that could increase Beijing’s military influence

Via AP news wire
Monday 25 April 2022 00:53 EDT
Japan Solomon Island
Japan Solomon Island

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Japan is sending a vice foreign minister to the Solomon Islands on Monday amid worry over a recent security agreement that the South Pacific nation struck with China that could increase Beijing's military influence in the region.

Vice Foreign Minister Kentaro Uesugi's three-day trip to Solomon Islands comes on the heels of a visit by a senior U.S. delegation, who warned that Washington would take unspecified action against the South Pacific nation should the security deal with China pose a threat to U.S. or allied interests.

The security pact, which China and the Solomons confirmed last week, has also alarmed neighboring countries and Western allies, including Japan, that fear a military buildup in the region.

“We believe the deal could affect the security of the entire Asia-Pacific region and we are watching the development with concern," Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said Friday.

Uesugi, during his visit to the Solomon Islands, is expected to convey Japan's concern about the security pact and discuss bilateral and regional issues.

Japan sees China's increasingly assertive military activity in the East and South China seas as a threat in some of the world's busiest sea lanes.

Japan is especially concerned about Chinese military and coast guard activity in the East China Sea near the Japanese-controlled Senkaku islands, which China also claims and calls Diaoyu.

Tokyo has in recent years significantly stepped up security cooperation and expanded joint drills with the United States and other Western partners, including Australia, India, France, Britain and Germany, that share its concerns about China's growing influence.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in