SYDNEY (Reuters) – Solomon Islands’ decision to sign a security pact with China will not adversely impact or undermine peace and harmony in the region, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare told parliament on Wednesday.
Sogavare asked friends, partners and neighbours to respect the country’s sovereign interests.
China said on Tuesday it had signed a security pact with the Solomon Islands, a move that has heightened concerns of the United States and its allies about growing Chinese influence in a region traditionally under their sway.
(Reporting by Kirsty Needham; Writing by Praveen Menon; Editing by Tom Hogue)
