RNZI: SCOTT Morrison’s first overseas trip after his re-election as Australian Prime Minister will be to the Solomon Islands.
The newspaper, The Australian, reports that it’s motivated by China’s attempts to persuade the Solomon Islands to sever its ties with Taiwan, and US warnings that Chinese interference in the Pacific is leading to “the possibility of conflict”.
Mr Morrison is expected to visit new Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare on Sunday, before travelling to London for the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
Mr Morrison has promised a fresh focus on the country’s Pacific “step-up”, and has appointed his close ally and numbers man Alex Hawke to lead a frontbench ministry focused on the region.
Source: RNZI
