Pro-China PM Retains His Seat In Solomon Islands Election

Electoral officers count votes from the general election in Solomon Islands, where pro-China Prime Minister Manasseh is reported to have retained his seat (Credit: AFP)

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare was set Saturday to retain his seat in elections, local media reported, paving the way for the pro-China leader to try to form a government.

Sogavare is one of China's most loyal friends in the South Pacific and has vowed to deepen ties with Beijing further if he returns to power.