The decision by Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare to sign a security pact with China has far reaching consequences for Australia. Whilst this security agreement has only just been inked, the announcement during an Australian election cycle raises eyebrows. Absolutely, this announcement was timed to coincide with the Australian federal election.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare states he is on the right side of history, that remains to be seen. The Solomon Islands has switched allegiances from Taiwan to China, this is a concern for a number of reasons. However, what this turnaround has shown is the Solomon Islands is an unreliable partner that is willing to sell his country to Chinese interests.

The Solomon Islands faces enormous challenges, from an economic and development perspective, this small Pacific nation faces a harsh reality. The CCP prefers to work with totalitarian governments, they do not have a good record for transparency or good governance, I have observed this personally.

Some would consider this move by Sogavare as a power play, an attempt to hold onto power after corruption allegations and a vote of no confidence. I am starting to think Sogavare is using this Chinese influence to maintain his grip on power, the CCP likes to deal with dictatorships, this is how they influence individuals and hence control governments.