Australia Deepens Ties With Solomon Islands Through Police Force Expansion

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (L) hugs Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare as they meet for a bilateral meeting at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in Suva, Fiji on July 13, 2022. Joe Armao/AFP via Getty Images

The Australian government has unveiled a major initiative to strengthen its partnership with the Solomon Islands by expanding the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).

The announcement, made on Dec. 20, follows a request made by the Solomon Islands.

The initiative underscores Australia’s commitment as Solomon Islands’ “security partner of choice.”

“Our announcement follows discussions initiated between Prime Ministers in June 2024,” stated the Prime Minister’s Office, adding that the package reflects the longstanding partnership between the two nations.

The program aims to sustainably grow the size and capability of the RSIPF, through funding, training, and infrastructure development.

A key feature is the creation of a sovereign Police Training Centre in Honiara, designed to enhance local policing capabilities.

Australia’s support builds on over 40 years of security cooperation, which includes landmark initiatives such as the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI, 2003-2017) and the Solomons International Assistance Force (SIAF, 2021-2024).

“Today’s announcement reaffirms our commitment to fostering security and stability in the region,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese noted.

Navigating Beijing’s Presence

Australia’s move comes amid growing Chinese influence in the Pacific, particularly following a 2022 security agreement between the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the Solomon Islands’ previous leadership.

When questioned about the presence of 14 Chinese police officers in the Solomon Islands, Albanese stated, “We have agreements with the Solomon Islands, and part of that is ensuring that Australia remains their security partner of choice.”

This effort complements Australia’s broader efforts in the region, including a $100 million commitment to Nauru over five years to bolster its security and economy, and $40 million allocated for policing.

Australia has also committed $600 million to establish a Papua New Guinea-based National Rugby League (NRL) team, aiming to boost regional engagement.

The team, based in the developing Port Moresby, is expected to create local opportunities and enhance the region’s connection to Australia. Australia has also allocated $400 million to train police officers across the Pacific.

Economic and Strategic Collaboration

The Solomon Islands plans to grow its police force from 1,500 to 5,000 officers over the coming years, aligning with Australia’s vision for regional stability.

The decade-long collaboration aims to reinforce sovereignty, stability, and economic resilience.

During their June 2024 meeting in Canberra, Prime Ministers Albanese and Jeremiah Manele discussed shared priorities, including economic growth and job creation in the Solomon Islands.

Australia pledged to support the Solomon Islands through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme and infrastructure projects like the Bina Harbour development.

These initiatives aim to strengthen people-to-people connections and attract international investment to the region.