Australian Liberal Senator Urges Federal Labor to Avoid ‘Arms Race’ With Beijing Over Solomon Islands

A Royal Australian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft prepares to land at Honiara International Airport in Honiara, Guadalcanal Island, Solomon Islands, on Nov. 30, 2021. CPL Brandon Grey/Australian Department of Defense via Getty Images

Liberal frontbencher, Simon Birmingham, has urged the Albanese government to avoid an arms race with Beijing following the Chinese regime’s counter-donation of police equipment and vehicles to the Solomon Islands.

This follows a donation of 13 vehicles and 60 MK18 rifles made by the Australian Federal Police to the Solomon Islands that was formalised in Honiara on Nov. 2.