Leaders of the Solomon Islands and China promised on Monday to expand relations that have fuelled unease in Washington and Australia about Beijing’s influence in the South Pacific. Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare met Chinese leader Xi Jinping and the country’s No. 2 leader, Premier Li Qiang. Mr. Sogavare and Mr. Li presided over the signing … Read more
Kennedy Island, Western Provinces, Solomon Islands. Image for representational purposes only. A powerful magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck near the Solomon Islands Tuesday afternoon, triggering a tsunami warning. There were no immediate reports of widespread damage or injuries. Freelance journalist Charley Piringi said he was standing outside a warehouse next to a primary and a secondary … Read more
A leaked document indicates that China could boost its military presence in the Solomon Islands – including with ship visits – in a development that is raising alarm in nearby Australia and beyond. The Solomon Islands revealed on Thursday it had signed a policing cooperation agreement with China. But more concerning to Australia was the … Read more