Australia raises Solomons policing deal with China

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has raised a policing deal signed between Beijing and the Solomon Islands in a meeting with China's top diplomat.

Australia, along with the US and New Zealand, has called for the details of a security deal between China and the Pacific Island nation to be released.

Senator Wong spoke with China's top-ranking diplomat Wang Yi while in Jakarta for the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

The foreign minister confirmed she asked about the policing deal during the talks, which followed their meeting in Beijing in late-2022.

"We take the view, along with all other members of the Pacific Island Forum ... that security is best provided for within the Pacific family," Senator Wong told reporters.

"We urge there to be transparency about the nature of the agreement, we understand that countries made their sovereign decisions.

"The security of the Pacific is something we all have an interest in."

The Solomon Islands government has rejected suggestions its policing deal could jeopardise peace in the Pacific region.

In a statement on Friday, the office of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said Chinese police will add to the existing support provided by Australia and New Zealand.

"No one has a monopoly of knowledge," the statement said.

"Solomon Islands' co-operation with China and all partners are based on the principles of equality and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Mr Sogavare and Chinese President Xi Jinping jointly announced a comprehensive strategic partnership in Beijing earlier this week.

Beijing has been expanding its influence in the region, with Chinese police present in the Solomon Islands since late-2021.

On China's relationship with Australia, Mr Wang said it had "stabilised, improved and developed".

In response to the diplomat's comments, Senator Wong said Australia would continue to advocate for the removal of all trade sanctions off its exports.

"We can grow our bilateral relationship, while safeguarding our national interest, provided both countries navigate our differences wisely," she said.

"That's what we are seeking to do."

China imposed trade sanctions on $20 billion worth of Australian products, but has since wound back restrictions on timber and coal imports.