The Latest Breaking News from Solomon Islands

From Ukraine to the Pacific, mines and failed shells from wars past and present are a serious threat – and one aid worker says NZ can act as a 'force multiplier' for change.

A snap ban on foreign military vessels docking in Solomon Islands is poised to be lifted, its leader told parliament Monday. The controversial issue could see the South Pacific nation become a pawn in a strategic tug-of-war between China and the United States. France, which shares a maritime border between…

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says because Australia and New Zealand are part of the Solomon Islands International Assistance Force they do not have to adhere to the nation's ban on foreign vessels.

Navy vessels from Australia and New Zealand will be exempt from a temporary ban on foreign ships entering the ports of the Solomon Islands, the Pacific island nation's prime minister told parliament on Monday.

Manasseh Sogavare says the constitutional amendment will be debated in parliament next week, allowing him to dodge a parliamentary committee hearing where opposition MPs and civil society groups could weigh in on the bill.

(Corrects paragraph 17 to show Solomon Islands recognised Beijing, not Taiwan)

Defence conference hears of deteriorating outlook

The Solomon Islands' government has asked countries to not send naval vessels to the South Pacific nation until approval processes are overhauled

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said on Wednesday Papua New Guinea had proposed a security treaty between both countries amid increasing tensions in the Pacific islands after China struck a security pact with neighbouring Solomon Islands.

Moves comes after US Coast Guard and Royal Navy vessels refused entry

The Solomon Islands government said it has asked all partner countries to put planned naval visits or patrols on hold until a revised process is in place for port visits.