Beijing-Solomons’ Military Deal Is ‘Ready for Signing’: Prime Minister Sogavare

Blames “lunatics and agents of foreign regimes” for leaking of the deal

(L-R) Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attend a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on Oct. 9, 2019. Thomas Peter-Pool/Getty Images

The Chinese military deal with the Solomon Islands, which will allow the stationing of Chinese police, troops, and weapons in the region, is “ready for signing,” according to Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

His comments come in a fiery address to the Pacific nation’s Parliament on March 29, where the embattled prime minister attempted to justify the impending deal, which has sparked concerns from the opposition, as well as Australian and New Zealand leaders.