The head of Australia’s Office of National Intelligence said Canberra is concerned that Chinese police deployed to the Solomon Islands under a new security pact could use “ruthless” techniques previously used to quell protests against the government in Hong Kong.
Andrew Shearer, the director-general of the office, traveled to the Pacific island nation last month in a failed attempt to persuade Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare not to sign a security pact with China.
While details of the pact have not been disclosed, Sogavare has ruled out a military base and said it covers domestic policing.
Shearer told the Raisina Dialogue conference
Mike Burgess, the head of Australia’s Office of National Intelligence (ASIO), said he thwarted an attempt by a foreign state to meddle (.) [Voltaire Network]