The Latest Breaking News from Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands government says it's considering replacing the board of the country's national broadcaster, but denies taking control of editorial policy, amid concerns the government-funded media outlet is losing its independence.

United States Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman has reassured the Pacific region the Biden administration is watching closely as the security pact between China and the Solomon Islands takes shape, warning a military base on the islands would "create security concerns for all".

U.S. President Joe Biden sees strong ties with Pacific Island countries as a priority, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said in the Solomon Islands on Sunday, underscoring the stakes of her visit as tensions have been mounting in the region.

The government of the Solomon Islands is tightening its control over the nation’s state-owned broadcaster

A senior U.S. diplomat will travel to Samoa on Thursday on a multi-leg trip to Pacific Island countries intended to demonstrate re-engagement by the United States with a region in which China has been extending its influence.

All stories are to be approved by the government before broadcast on the SIBC, prompting grave concerns about press freedom

New security pact will pave way for China to deploy navy at Australia’s doorstep

In its latest crackdown on press freedoms, the government seizes editorial control of Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation, ordering the organisation to censor stories portraying the government in a negative light.

Senior police boss also did not rule out having Chinese police officers embedded within the force, after signing of controversial security deal