China, Solomon Islands Sign Security Deal, Chinese Foreign Ministry Says - Tasnim News Agency

China says it has signed a security pact with the Solomon Islands, a move set to heighten the concerns of Australia, the United States and New Zealand about growing Chinese influence in the Pacific.

The framework pact was recently signed by China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, and the Solomon Islands foreign minister, Manele, foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told reporters on Tuesday at a regular briefing in Beijing, Reuters reported.

He did not give details of where, or precisely when, the signing took place.

The Australian government is concerned that the pact, details of which have not been made officially public, could be a step towards a Chinese military presence less than 2,000 km from Australia.