Solomon Islands: Military force a matter of prestige as well as avenue for China to increase influence
On 15 October, Minister of Police, National Security, and Correctional Services, Jimson Tanangada, confirmed the development of a policy to establish a national defence force. Minister Tanangada stated that border control, physical defences, terrorism, climate change, and cyberattacks, were security challenges justifying the move. Prime Minister Manele confirmed that a legal framework will be introduced for Parliamentary consideration after the completion of a concept paper. However, no timeframes have yet been detailed. PM Manele emphasised that the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) would remain the first responder in any emergency situation. Member of Parliament Manasseh Sogavare raised concerns over the establishment of a defence force, citing Fiji and Papua New Guinea’s historical experiences with coup d’état. He suggested the creation of a “Melanesian force” as an alternative.
Assessment: A military force is a matter of prestige rather than need for the Solomon Islands. PM Manele likely wants to achieve parity with other Melenesian Spearhead Group members who all have a type of military component except for the Solomons. This prestige was likely reinforced during the recent 50th Independence Celebrations in Papua New Guinea and PNG’s signing of the mutual defence treaty with Australia. Additionally, where traditional partners such as Australia have successfully influenced the abandonment of such policies in the past, if not handled well China can take the opportunity to increase its influence with PM Manele and other government figures through vocal support of their right to make sovereign decisions – particularly as China is unlikely to have an interest in whether the policy moves forward or not.
Sources: Eddie Osifelo, “Gov’t yet to set timeline for military force,” Solomon Star News, October 16 2025; Ronald Toito’ona, “Solomons Independent Leader Probes Government on the Establishment of a National Defence Force,” In-depth Solomons, October 16 2025; Alan C. Tidwell, Meg Keen, Anna Powles, Jose Sousa-Santos, Anouk Ride, “Solomon Islands: Invest in people and police before military,” The Interpeter, Lowy Institute, July 23 2025.
