Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian

In response to a question about Australia's announcement it will provide substantial funding to support the police in the Solomon Islands, and that Australia has expressed concerns about China's police cooperation with the Solomon Islands, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Friday that China has consistently advocated that countries should adhere to the "three upholds" when developing relations with Pacific island nations, which is respecting the autonomy of island nations, prioritizing development, and promoting openness and inclusiveness.

No country should treat island nations as its backyard; instead, countries should complement each other's strengths, coordinate efforts, and engage in trilateral or multilateral cooperation. It is hoped that relevant parties will genuinely respect the independence and territorial integrity of island nations and refrain from interfering in their internal affairs, Lin told a routine press conference.

According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Australia announced on Friday that it will plough 190 million Australian dollars ($118 million) into the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and set up a new police training center in the capital Honiara.

Global Times