Australian Prime Minister visits Fiji to discuss nuclear submarines, regional security

Australian defense officials say a fleet of nuclear submarines is needed as a deterrent to China’s naval build-up.

China says Oaks violates the Non-Proliferation Treaty, which Australia denies.

Australia stressed on Tuesday that its submarines would not carry nuclear weapons.

Qianbo, Beijing’s special envoy for the Pacific Islands, earlier this month called on subregional groups in Fiji, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands for help on China’s role in security training and assistance, Melanesia Spearhead said. A statement from the group said: Indicated.

Mr. Qian has visited Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and the Federated States of Micronesia in the past two weeks.

In a March 10 statement, the leaders of the Melanesian Spearhead Group, an intergovernmental organization of pro-independence parties in Fiji, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia, considered security assistance, including training and assistance. said to do. Chinese equipment.

“My members affirm in very strong terms that no one chooses a friend or foe for them,” said MSG Executive Director Leonard Louma.

The group’s regional security strategy will be agreed at a meeting in Fiji in April.

New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta will head to Fiji on Wednesday, according to the US Embassy in Auckland, and a US delegation led by White House Indo-Pacific Coordinator Kurt Campbell will travel to the Pacific island nation in the coming days. I plan to visit. Reuters