Ukraine and the Solomon Islands : 

the Western Hypocrisy

by Jean-Guy Rens

Montreal, July 22, 2022

When Russia said that the expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation’s (NATO) to Ukraine was a red line, the US and NATO rejected this position, arguing that they support Ukraine’s sovereignty and its right to choose to be part of security alliances. 

When the Solomon Islands made an agreement with China last April, the Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the construction of a Chinese military base in the Solomon Islands would be a “red line” for Canberra and Washington. The Australian Defence Minister added that Australia must prepare for war.

Daniel Kritenbrink, assistant US secretary of state for the bureau of East Asian and Pacific affairs, pretty much declared the same thing: “We told the Solomon Islands leadership that the United States would respond if steps were taken to establish a de facto permanent military presence, power projection capabilities or a military installation in the Solomon Islands.” 

What is forbidden to Russia is obviously allowed to Australia and the Solomon Islands sovereignty is not worth as much as Ukraine’s. Let’s note that Russia shares a border with Ukraine, whilst the Solomon Islands are 2,000 kilometres (1,200 miles) from Australia.