Australia and Solskjaer are expected to sign a new agreement within a few weeks, and Australia will provide an additional A$980 million in funding

After Australian Prime Minister Albanese took office, he actively developed relations with Pacific island countries to counter China's growing influence in the region. (AFP)

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported on the 8th that Australia and the Solomon Islands are expected to sign an agreement in the next few weeks, which includes Canberra's commitment to provide an additional A$980 million (approximately NT$22.3 billion) to the Heniala government to deepen the partnership between the two parties.

The Solomon Islands severed diplomatic relations with Taiwan during the tenure of former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, instead established diplomatic relations with China and actively developed bilateral relations. It signed a security agreement with Beijing in 2022, triggering alert from Australia and the United States. After Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese took office in May of the same year, he tried to reverse Somalia-China cooperation and rebuild Australia-Somalia relations.

Oliver Nobetau, director of the Pacific Island Countries Program at the Lowy Institute, an Australian think tank, pointed out that Australia is trying to solidify its position as a potential ally of Pacific island countries in black and white, which has gradually marginalized China. However, since Somalia and China still maintain a security agreement, it is unlikely that ties will be cut off overnight. Canberra also needs time to prove itself as a practical security partner.