China accuses West of encouraging ‘arms race’

China, (rt.com), 11 May, 2022 -  In response to Australia’s criticism of its security pact with the Solomon Islands, China has accused Canberra and its partners of encouraging an “arms race” in the South Pacific region.  “Australia, together with the United States and Britain, form a military bloc in the region and encourage an arms race without discussing relevant issues with the countries of Oceania,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said at a media briefing on Wednesday.   

The recently signed security agreement between Beijing and the Pacific nation has been a matter of concern for the Australian authorities.   
Zhao refuted the reports of his country’s alleged plans to establish a new military foothold, calling them “fake news.”   

He underlined that signing agreements about security cooperation is a “sacred right of two sovereign countries” and is fully in line with international practice. He also stressed that China’s pact with the Solomon Islands is open, transparent and does not target “any third parties.”   
CAP: (rt.com)