He did not specify what the consequences would be.
Prime Minister Australia Scott Morrison said that the construction of a military base by China in the Solomon Islands will be a «red line» for Australia and USA. However, he did not say how Australia would react if this happens, reports the Chronicle.info with reference to RBC-Ukraine.
As the publication notes, there are concerns about the recently signed security agreement between China and the Solomon Islands and what it could mean for Australia and other Pacific countries, especially if China uses the agreement to expand its military presence in the region.
< p>«This is a common concern not only in Australia, but also in Australia and regional governments, especially places like Fiji and Papua New Guinea. Working alongside our partners in New Zealand and, of course, the United States, I share the same red line as the United States when it comes to these issues. We will not have Chinese naval bases in our region on the door», — he said.
Morrison did not say how he would react if the «red line» will be crossed and China will actually move on to establishing a military base. Instead, he said that the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, Manasseh Sogavare, assured him that this would not happen.
«So he clearly shares our red line», — Morrison said.
The pact, which was announced earlier this month, is seen as a major Chinese invasion of the resource-rich Pacific, where the United States has long dominated along with allies Australia and New Zealand.< /p>
China said the pact would help the Solomon Islands maintain public order and deal with natural disasters and humanitarian aid. It says it does not pose a danger to the US, while the Solomon Islands said it would not undermine regional peace.