Solomon Islands leader defends new security pact with China
2 years, 8 months ago

Solomon Islands leader defends new security pact with China

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — The Solomon Islands prime minister confirmed Wednesday that his government has signed a new security agreement with China, but told lawmakers it would not “undermine the peace and harmony of our region” as has been feared by the opposition and countries including the United States and Australia. The security pact allows China to send police and military personnel to the Solomon Islands “to assist in maintaining social order,” while also opening the door for Chinese warships to stop in port there for “logistical replenishment” — giving rise to worries of a possible Chinese naval base on the doorstep of Australia and New Zealand. A draft of the agreement leaked online last month, and China’s Foreign Ministry announced Tuesday that it had been signed “the other day.” Sogavare was equally vague, telling lawmakers that it had been signed “a few days ago.” Australia had urged the Solomon Islands not to sign the pact, and sent Sen. Zed Seselja, the minister for international development and the Pacific, for talks with Sogavare last week. “We are concerned about the lack of transparency with which this agreement has been developed, noting its potential to undermine stability in our region.” They added that they welcomed statements from Sogavare that the “Solomon Islands will never be used for military bases or other military institutions of foreign powers.” Earlier this week, U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said the agreement could destabilize the Solomon Islands and would set a concerning precedent for the wider Pacific region.

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History of this topic

Pacific Islands wait for Trump, wary of climate and China stance
2 weeks, 1 day ago

Pacific Islands wait for Trump, wary of climate and China stance

India Today  

Pacific island nations at the centre of a strategic rivalry between the U.S. and China that brought infrastructure and funding hope President-elect Donald Trump stays engaged in the region but are wary of competition spilling into confrontation, diplomats say. Papua New Guinea will continue to trade with China, even as U.S. military ties increase, he also told a resources conference …

Leaders of Pacific Islands endorse joint policing plan
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Leaders of Pacific Islands endorse joint policing plan

The Hindu  

Pacific Island leaders endorsed a landmark regional policing plan at a summit in Tonga on Wednesday, a contentious move seen as trying to limit China’s security role in the region. “This demonstrates how Pacific leaders are working together to shape the future that we want to see,” said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The Australian leader made the announcement while …

Solomon Islands PM Manele’s Foreign Visits: More Than a Mere Balancing Act
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Solomon Islands PM Manele’s Foreign Visits: More Than a Mere Balancing Act

The Diplomat  

Caught in the eye of a geopolitical storm, the Solomon Islands is back in the news, this time over newly elected Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele’s first foreign visits since taking office in May. Manele’s choice to visit Canberra before Beijing elevated hopes held by many that the “more diplomatic” leader values rebalancing Honiara’s foreign policy, which tipped in favor of …

Solomon Islands’ New Government: A Chance to Reset Australia’s Pacific Diplomacy
5 months ago

Solomon Islands’ New Government: A Chance to Reset Australia’s Pacific Diplomacy

The Diplomat  

The meeting between Solomon Islands’ new Prime Minister Jeremiah Manale and Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles in Honiara on May 21 suggested that the change in leadership in the island nation may have given the two governments an opportunity to reset their relationship. On this front, Marles' trip to Solomon Islands seemed to show that Canberra’s ties with the …

Solomon Islands and China are strengthening ties in a worrying move for US and its Pacific allies
5 months, 1 week ago

Solomon Islands and China are strengthening ties in a worrying move for US and its Pacific allies

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Solomon Islands’ new prime …

Solomon Islands and China are strengthening ties in a worrying move for US and its Pacific allies
5 months, 1 week ago

Solomon Islands and China are strengthening ties in a worrying move for US and its Pacific allies

Associated Press  

BEIJING — The new Solomon Islands prime minister is in China for a visit as Beijing and the strategic Pacific archipelago strengthen their ties. “Solomon Islands values its comprehensive and strategic relations with China,” Manele told Xi in prepared remarks at the start of their meeting in the Great Hall of the People. China’s influence increased significantly during the term …

Nation vows to boost ties with Solomon Islands
5 months, 1 week ago

Nation vows to boost ties with Solomon Islands

China Daily  

Premier Li Qiang holds talks with the Solomon Islands' Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 11, 2024. Premier Li Qiang pledged on Thursday to enhance ties between China and the Solomon Islands, and expressed Beijing's commitment to working with Pacific island …

Chinese premier congratulates Solomon Islands' new PM on assuming office
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Chinese premier congratulates Solomon Islands' new PM on assuming office

China Daily  

BEIJING -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Monday congratulated Jeremiah Manele on his assuming office as prime minister of the Solomon Islands. In his congratulatory message, Li said that China and the Solomon Islands are comprehensive strategic partners featuring mutual respect and common development for a new era. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations five years ago, Li said, bilateral …

Solomon Islands pro-China PM Manasseh Sogavare fails to secure majority
8 months ago

Solomon Islands pro-China PM Manasseh Sogavare fails to secure majority

Al Jazeera  

The Solomon Islands election has delivered no clear winner leaving pro-China Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in a race with rival opposition politicians to form a coalition to lead the Pacific island nation. Election results on Wednesday showed Sogavare’s OUR party won 15 out of 50 seats in the national parliament, while major opposition parties secured 20, and independent and micro-parties …

New Zealand lobbied French on Solomon Islands-China pact, cables show
9 months, 3 weeks ago

New Zealand lobbied French on Solomon Islands-China pact, cables show

Al Jazeera  

New Zealand officials hoped French Polynesia and New Caledonia would respond to security pact, documents show. New Zealand diplomats in New Caledonia’s capital Noumea noted in their reports to Wellington that neither French Polynesia nor New Caledonia “is likely to take a public position” on the deal. After a meeting with New Caledonia’s High Commissioner Patrice Faure on March 30, …

Australia pushes against China's Pacific influence through a security pact with Papua New Guinea
1 year ago

Australia pushes against China's Pacific influence through a security pact with Papua New Guinea

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

In the Solomon Islands, a US agency’s struggles hint at China’s influence
1 year ago

In the Solomon Islands, a US agency’s struggles hint at China’s influence

Al Jazeera  

The Peace Corps has yet to return to Pacific island nation more than four years after Washington touted its return. “The Chinese influenced the Solomon Islands cabinet’s decision to pause approval for the Peace Corps to return to the islands,” a former US official, who is familiar with the negotiations to bring back the Peace Corps, told Al Jazeera on …

As the Pacific Games prepare to kick off in Solomon Islands, for Australia, China and the US, there are other games going on
1 year, 1 month ago

As the Pacific Games prepare to kick off in Solomon Islands, for Australia, China and the US, there are other games going on

ABC  

It is Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare's pièce de résistance. Seven years in the making — and hundreds of millions of dollars later — this week his country officially plays host to the 2023 Pacific Games, the region's "mini Olympics". Honiara's main stadium being put to the test ahead of the Pacific Games in Solomon Islands. Solomon Islands national …

China sending more police, donating equipment including drones to Solomon Islands for Pacific Games
1 year, 1 month ago

China sending more police, donating equipment including drones to Solomon Islands for Pacific Games

ABC  

Concern is mounting in Canberra after Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare announced that China is sending additional police to the country to help provide security for the Pacific Games. Key points: The prospect of a larger Chinese police presence in Solomon Islands will worry Australian officials Australia has sent a sizeable contingent of police and ADF personnel to Honiara, …

US to open embassies in the Cook Islands, Niue
1 year, 3 months ago

US to open embassies in the Cook Islands, Niue

Al Jazeera  

Announcement comes as US President Joe Biden prepares to host a second summit with Pacific Island leaders in Washington DC. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden would use the summit to strengthen “ties with the Pacific Islands and discuss how we address complex global challenges, like tackling the existential threat of climate change, advancing economic growth, and promoting …

US Pacific Policy in China’s Shadow
1 year, 3 months ago

US Pacific Policy in China’s Shadow

The Diplomat  

There has been a flurry of Pacific Islands-related press releases coming out of the United States Department of State this year. On May 22 and 23 alone, the State Department issued four major read-outs: “The United States and Papua New Guinea Sign New Defense Cooperation Agreement,” “U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Dialogue in Papua New Guinea,” “Secretary Blinken Witnesses the Signing …

Can China Deliver What Solomon Islands Wants?
1 year, 3 months ago

Can China Deliver What Solomon Islands Wants?

The Diplomat  

Solomon Islands has denied its new security pact with China poses a threat to the Pacific, and has criticized Australia for withdrawing funding for vital services. In July, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare inked a raft of deals during a trip to China, upgrading the two nations’ relationship to a “comprehensive strategic partnership.” The deal comes four years after …

Solomon Islands police deny China shipped guns, following Al Jazeera report
1 year, 3 months ago

Solomon Islands police deny China shipped guns, following Al Jazeera report

Al Jazeera  

Solomon Islands police have denied allegations that China secretly shipped firearms to the Pacific Island nation last year, following an Al Jazeera report that uncovered new details about the controversial shipment. Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Commissioner Mostyn Mangau said the shipment in question contained imitation firearms and there had been no attempt to smuggle or conceal genuine guns. Al …

Australia to send more police to Solomon Islands, extend mission
1 year, 3 months ago

Australia to send more police to Solomon Islands, extend mission

Al Jazeera  

Extended Australian police mission will boost security for the upcoming Pacific Games as well as next year’s general elections. Australia has announced plans to send additional police to the Solomon Islands to boost security for the Pacific Games in November, keeping them there until June to assist with the general elections. The extended Australian police presence, announced on Sunday, comes …

China’s ‘replica’ guns for Solomon Islands likely real, US cable claimed
1 year, 3 months ago

China’s ‘replica’ guns for Solomon Islands likely real, US cable claimed

Al Jazeera  

China likely shipped genuine firearms to the Solomon Islands when its donation of “replica” weapons to police last year sparked a political firestorm in the tiny Pacific Island country, a previously unseen diplomatic cable claimed. But despite official denials, US diplomats concluded that the firearms appeared to be real and that Solomon Island authorities were attempting “to recategorize an illicit …

Sogavare’s Pivot to China
1 year, 4 months ago

Sogavare’s Pivot to China

The Diplomat  

In mid-July, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare returned from a week-long visit to China with nine new agreements ranging from agriculture, fisheries, and maritime surveillance cooperation to a new agreement on policing – the details of which have yet to be released. He also returned with invective toward Australia and New Zealand, accusing them of not fulfilling their development …

Solomon Islands says China to assist with policing, cybersecurity
1 year, 5 months ago

Solomon Islands says China to assist with policing, cybersecurity

Al Jazeera  

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says China’s police will add to support provided by Australia and New Zealand. The United States, Australia, New Zealand and Solomon Islands’ opposition party have called for Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare to “immediately” publish details of the policing deal signed in Beijing on Monday, amid concern it will invite further regional contest. In a statement on …

China signs pact with Solomon Islands to boost cooperation on ‘law enforcement and security matters’
1 year, 5 months ago

China signs pact with Solomon Islands to boost cooperation on ‘law enforcement and security matters’

Associated Press  

BEIJING — The Solomon Islands has signed an agreement to boost cooperation with China on “law enforcement and security matters,” in a move likely to raise concerns among the South Pacific island’s traditional partners including Australia, New Zealand and the United States. The Chinese side will continue to provide support and help to Solomon Islands as needed in strengthening Solomon …

Australia ‘concerned’ by China-Solomon Islands policing deal
1 year, 5 months ago

Australia ‘concerned’ by China-Solomon Islands policing deal

Al Jazeera  

Australia urges the nations to publish details of the police deal which it says will ‘invite further regional contest’. Australia on Tuesday asked the Solomon Islands and China to “provide transparency of their intentions to Australia and the region” by immediately publishing details of a policing deal signed in Beijing. The police cooperation pact was among nine deals signed after …

China, Solomon Islands elevate ‘strategic’ ties
1 year, 5 months ago

China, Solomon Islands elevate ‘strategic’ ties

Al Jazeera  

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare announced the launch of a comprehensive strategic partnership on Monday afternoon, a year after striking a security deal that set off a scramble from the United States and its allies to counter Beijing’s growing influence in the Pacific Islands region. “We are here to further boost relations,” Sogavare told …

Despite Biden’s Absence, US Makes Inroads With Pacific Islands
1 year, 6 months ago

Despite Biden’s Absence, US Makes Inroads With Pacific Islands

The Diplomat  

While disappointment lingered over U.S. President Joe Biden’s decision to cancel his trip to Papua New Guinea last month, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken attended meetings in Port Moresby in his stead. Among the major deliverables, the United States signed a new security pact with Papua New Guinea, seen as a key victory in the competition with China for …

China in the Pacific: The Fiji Case
1 year, 7 months ago

China in the Pacific: The Fiji Case

The Diplomat  

Much has changed in the Pacific in the year since Solomon Islands signed a security agreement with China in April 2022. When Bainimarama grasped power in a 2006 military coup, his ostracism by Fiji’s traditional partners in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States was China’s great gain. In turn, Bainimarama adopted a “look north” policy that embraced China’s growing …

US signs new security pact with Papua New Guinea amid competition with China
1 year, 7 months ago

US signs new security pact with Papua New Guinea amid competition with China

Associated Press  

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea — The United States signed a new security pact with Papua New Guinea on Monday as it competes with China for influence in the Pacific. The State Department said the new agreement provides a framework to help improve security cooperation, enhance the capacity of Papua New Guinea’s defense force and increase regional stability. Papua New …

U.S. signs new security pact with Papua New Guinea amid competition with China
1 year, 7 months ago

U.S. signs new security pact with Papua New Guinea amid competition with China

LA Times  

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, left, shakes hands with Papua New Guinean Prime Minister James Marape at a meeting Monday in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The U.S. signed a new security pact with Papua New Guinea on Monday as it competes with China for influence in the Pacific. The State Department said the new agreement provides a framework …

State-backed Chinese company wins contract to develop key port in Solomon Islands
1 year, 9 months ago

State-backed Chinese company wins contract to develop key port in Solomon Islands

Firstpost  

Solomon Islands’ government on Tuesday announced that the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation had been chosen to lead a $170 million project to develop the international port in the capital Honiara Sydney, Australia: A state-backed Chinese company has won a contract to develop a key port in the Solomon Islands, a major victory in Beijing’s quest to gain a strategic …

Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa warns China not the only outside power looking to increase their presence in Pacific
1 year, 9 months ago

Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa warns China not the only outside power looking to increase their presence in Pacific

ABC  

Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa has warned that China and other outside powers could cite the need to protect their infrastructure projects in the Pacific as a front for establishing a security presence in the region. Key points: Fiame Naomi Mata'afa says China is not the only major power that may want increased military access to the Pacific She …

Solomon Islands receives visits from United States, China and Japan as 'friends to all, enemy to none' policy proves popular
1 year, 9 months ago

Solomon Islands receives visits from United States, China and Japan as 'friends to all, enemy to none' policy proves popular

ABC  

You could call it a Switzerland-like foreign relations policy — just in the Pacific. "Friends to all, enemy to none" is how Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare describes it. And on Tuesday he hosted the United States Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell — the man the Biden administration has backed to lead his country's new-found "step-up" in the region. "The …

‘Symbol of renewal’: US reopens Solomon Islands embassy
1 year, 10 months ago

‘Symbol of renewal’: US reopens Solomon Islands embassy

Al Jazeera  

The US has been stepping up engagement with the Pacific amid concerns about China’s influence in the region. It announced its intention to reopen the diplomatic mission after it emerged in April 2022 that the Solomon Islands had agreed to a secret security pact with China. The Solomon Islands had switched diplomatic ties to Beijing from self-ruled Taiwan, which China …

Australia finalising new security pact with Papua New Guinea
1 year, 11 months ago

Australia finalising new security pact with Papua New Guinea

Al Jazeera  

The Bilateral Security Treaty with PNG comes after China signed a security pact with the Solomon Islands in April. The leaders of Australia and neighbouring Papua New Guinea say they are finalising a new security treaty – a move seen as a challenge to China’s growing assertiveness in the Pacific region. Albanese said the economic and security interests of Australia …

US moves to reopen Solomon Islands embassy to counter China
1 year, 11 months ago

US moves to reopen Solomon Islands embassy to counter China

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration is plowing ahead with plans to re-open the U.S. embassy in the Solomon Islands in a bid to counter China’s increasing assertiveness in the Pacific. The department notified lawmakers nearly a year ago that China’s growing influence in the region made re-opening the U.S. embassy in the Solomon Islands a priority. “We are seeing this …

US moves to reopen Solomon Islands embassy to counter China
1 year, 11 months ago

US moves to reopen Solomon Islands embassy to counter China

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Solomon Islands PM says foreign military sites ‘never’ allowed
2 years, 2 months ago

Solomon Islands PM says foreign military sites ‘never’ allowed

Al Jazeera  

Manasseh Sogavare said he would not do anything that undermines national security or jeopardises regional stability. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has said that foreign military installations will never be established in his country, an apparent reference to a security pact he signed with China earlier this year. “Solomon Islands will not do anything that will undermine its own …

Solomon Islands leader rules out China base in his country
2 years, 2 months ago

Solomon Islands leader rules out China base in his country

Associated Press  

CANBERRA, Australia — The Solomon Islands prime minister assured Australia on Thursday that he would not “endanger his country” by allowing China to establish a naval base in the South Pacific. Solomons Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare made his first visit to the Australian capital Canberra since his counterpart Anthony Albanese’s center-left Labor Party came to power at elections in May. …

Solomon Islands leader Sogavare to visit Australia
2 years, 2 months ago

Solomon Islands leader Sogavare to visit Australia

Al Jazeera  

Countries are looking to mend relationship strained since a Solomon Islands-China agreement was confirmed in April. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare is set to visit Australia some six months after signing a security agreement with China that raised concern in Canberra, which has a longstanding security pact of its own with the Pacific island nation. Australian Prime Minister Anthony …

Solomon Islands agreed to accord after China references axed
2 years, 2 months ago

Solomon Islands agreed to accord after China references axed

Associated Press  

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Solomon Islands agreed to sign an accord between the United States and more than a dozen Pacific nations only after indirect references to China were removed, the Solomon Islands foreign minister said Tuesday. Ahead of the summit, diplomats had said Solomon Islands was signaling it was unlikely to sign the joint declaration, which would have represented …

Biden vows US commitment to Pacific Islands at summit
2 years, 2 months ago

Biden vows US commitment to Pacific Islands at summit

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden on Thursday told visiting leaders from more than a dozen Pacific Island countries that the U.S. was committed to bolstering its presence in their region and becoming a more collaborative partner as they face the “existential threat” of climate change. “And the Pacific Islands are a critical voice in shaping the future, and that’s why …

US has agreed Pacific Islands deal, offering ‘big dollar numbers’
2 years, 2 months ago

US has agreed Pacific Islands deal, offering ‘big dollar numbers’

Al Jazeera  

The US is looking to reengage in a region where China has been steadily expanding its influence. The United States says it has agreed on a partnership with the Pacific Islands that offers the prospect of “big dollar” help to a region where China has been expanding its influence. Among the measures, the US plans to expand its diplomatic footprint …

Solomon Islands refusing to sign 11-point declaration at historic Pacific-US meeting
2 years, 2 months ago

Solomon Islands refusing to sign 11-point declaration at historic Pacific-US meeting

ABC  

Solomon Islands has signalled it won't sign on to an 11-point declaration between the United States and Pacific Island nations this week, dealing a blow to the White House ahead of a high-profile presidential summit with Pacific leaders in Washington. Key points: The declaration is expected to be signed when US President Joe Biden and Pacific leaders meet this week …

China strategy in Pacific islands a cause for US concern: Report
2 years, 3 months ago

China strategy in Pacific islands a cause for US concern: Report

Al Jazeera  

To counter China’s growing influence in the Pacific the US should bolster support for island states, new report states. To counter China’s growing influence in the region, the US should bolster support for island states in the north Pacific where it had the strongest historical ties, the report suggests. “Perhaps to a greater extent than any other geographic area, the …

Solomon Islands rejects ‘inappropriate’ Australian election offer
2 years, 3 months ago

Solomon Islands rejects ‘inappropriate’ Australian election offer

Al Jazeera  

Government accused Australia of interfering in domestic affairs by offering to fund the islands’ 2023 elections. The Solomon Islands has rejected an offer by Australia to finance the country’s upcoming election, saying the timing of the public release of the overture was “inappropriate” and accused Canberra of meddling in domestic affairs. The Pacific island’s government said in a statement on …

Beijing's actions not limited to South China Sea, says Taiwan foreign minister | Exclusive
2 years, 4 months ago

Beijing's actions not limited to South China Sea, says Taiwan foreign minister | Exclusive

India Today  

In an exclusive interview with India Today, Taiwan’s foreign minister Joseph Wu took aim at Beijing and said the democracies of the world must unite to counter China’s hegemonic activities. Wu’s defiant stance comes at a time when tensions between Taiwan and China are at an all-time high after Beijing took umbrage against US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to …

Why China is deepening its Solomon Islands ties by funding $66 million Huawei deal
2 years, 4 months ago

Why China is deepening its Solomon Islands ties by funding $66 million Huawei deal

Firstpost  

The deal marks the first financing the island’s country has received from Beijing since it signed a secretive security pact in April, following the severing of diplomatic links to Taiwan Sydney: The Solomon Islands said Thursday that it had secured a $66 million loan from China to fund tech giant Huawei building 161 telecommunications towers across the Pacific nation. The …

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare's government wants to delay election due to Pacific Games
2 years, 4 months ago

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare's government wants to delay election due to Pacific Games

ABC  

A leading Solomon Islands opposition MP has called on Australia to offer funding to try and ensure the country can hold elections next year. Key points: Solomon Islands MP Peter Kenilorea Jr told the ABC Australia should offer to fund elections in 2023 He says this would help by "quelling the argument being made there is no money for elections" …

Solomon Islands orders national broadcaster SIBC not to report content critical of government
2 years, 4 months ago

Solomon Islands orders national broadcaster SIBC not to report content critical of government

ABC  

The Solomon Islands government has ordered the country's national broadcaster to self-censor its news and other paid programs and only allow content that portrays the nation's government in a positive light. Key points: The Solomon Islands government is seizing financial and editorial control of the Pacific nation's public broadcaster The government says its censorship will protect the public from "misinformation …

Chinese company eyes Solomon Islands deep-water port
2 years, 4 months ago

Chinese company eyes Solomon Islands deep-water port

Associated Press  

CANBERRA, Australia — A Chinese state-owned company is negotiating to buy a forestry planation with a deep-water port and World War II airstrip in Solomon Islands amid persistent concerns that China wants to establish a naval foothold in the South Pacific country. The board of Kolombangara Forest Products Ltd., the takeover target known as KFPL which is owned by Taiwanese …

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