Australia's deputy prime minister, Richard Marles, pledged support to the Solomon Islands during a visit as part of an effort to counter China's growing influence in the South Pacific.
Australia's deputy prime minister pledged support to the Solomon Islands during a visit to the archipelago nation on Tuesday, as Canberra intensifies efforts to counter China's growing influence in the South Pacific. Richard Marles’ trip to the capital, Honiara, was the first by an Australian government minister since Jeremiah Manele was elected Solomon Islands' new prime minister earlier this month.
The high-level visit comes at a time of increased competition for influence in the South Pacific. The Solomons became the first regional nation to sign a major policing pact with China in July, sparking concern among the island’s traditional partners including Australia, New Zealand and the United States. Solomon Islands lawmakers elected Manele as prime minister on May 2.
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