Solomon Islands' prime minister dismissed criticism of a new maritime investment deal with China on Wednesday, saying there was nothing "sinister" in the draft agreement.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare was defiant Wednesday about his decision to sign a controversial security pact with China in the face of lobbying from the United States and Australia. Sogavare said it was an "honour and privilege" to tell parliament the deal had been signed by officials in Honiara and Beijing "a few…

The Solomon Islands' prime minister said Tuesday that a contentious security agreement with Beijing was "ready for signing", denying reports that his country had been pressured to allow a Chinese naval base to be built in the Pacific island nation.

The United States plans to re-establish an embassy in the Solomon Islands, a senior State Department official said Saturday, as Washington seeks to beef up its presence in a region where China is rapidly expanding its influence.

Embattled Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare survived a no-confidence vote Monday while accusing "Taiwan's agents" of orchestrating recent political violence that plunged the Pacific island nation into crisis.

Taiwan severed ties with the Solomon Islands on Monday after learning the Pacific nation was switching diplomatic recognition to China, as Taipei accused Beijing of using "dollar diplomacy" to buy off its few remaining allies.