The Latest Breaking News from Solomon Islands

Investment, infrastructure, and influence building – what worked for China before may not again elsewhere.

China's bid to set up a security pact with Pacific island countries should be considered by a regional forum, the leaders of Samoa and New Zealand said on Tuesday, weeks after the Solomon Islands sparked uproar by signing a deal with China.

U.S. President Joe Biden and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Tuesday raised concerns about a security agreement between China and the Solomon Islands, the White House said.

The United States and Australia are moving to counter China's active engagement with South Pacific island nations.

The foreign minister is facing criticism over her perceived inaction. A full-time minister of foreign affairs and trade would be a far more effective role, argues Geoffrey Miller

Several Pacific nations reportedly want to defer action on the draft agreement or have it amended

Samoa signed a bilateral agreement with China on Saturday, promising “greater collaboration” as Beijing’s foreign minister continues a South Pacific tour that has sparked concern among Western allies.

Scant details released apart from promises of infrastructure support, amid western concerns that China is seeking to expand its security presence in region

Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi is touring eight Pacific island nations as part of a strategy to increase Beijing's clout in the region. The move triggered Western countries to strengthen ties and may re-boot the relationship between France and Australia, still suffering from a submarine deal that went wrong.