Solomon Islands reassures an anxious Australia as it works on a China security deal

The Solomon Islands is seeking to expand its security relationship with China, its government confirmed on Friday, after reports that such an agreement was in the works fueled concern from Australian officials.
A Solomon Islands government statement said Friday that Honiara was in the process of "diversifying the country's security partnership including with China."

"The Government is working to sign off and implement a number of development frameworks with China to further create a secure and safe environment for local and foreign investments," read the statement from the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. The potential arrangement comes as Australia and the United States have become increasingly wary of the expanding footprint of an assertive China in the region, in particular as China has increased its maritime capabilities and militarized islands in the South China Sea.

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