Solomon Islands Prime Minster Manasseh Sogavare has singled out China for special thanks in a speech marking the country's national independence day.
Today, in a speech in Honiara, Mr Sogavare said the People's Republic of China was a "new addition" to the Solomon Islands, with the relationship between the two nations "less than three years old".
But, he said, Beijing had already demonstrated a "genuine intention" to be a "worthy partner" in the country's development.
"And I thank you," Mr Sogavare said.
"I thank all of you."
The Australian High Commissioner for Solomon Islands was sitting next to the Chinese ambassador in the crowd.
Mr Sogavare said the past three years had been "particularly challenging" for the country and although he didn't mention Australia by name, or single the country out for thanks, he appeared to reference the recent tension between the two nations.
"Yes, relationships at times can sour, but that's the nature of relationships," he said.
"But only by taking different views can we find solutions to improving our relationships.
Mr Sogavare's minders promised the ABC an interview after the speech, but instead they escorted him to a nearby vehicle, with police blocking reporters from getting close to the Prime Minister.
The small nation of more than 900 islands has been facing turmoil of late.
Violence and rioting rocked the country in November last year, with many demanding the resignation of Mr Sogavare. Angry mobs later torched buildings in Honiara's Chinatown.
Although locals suggested some rioters were simply opportunist and angry, for many Solomon Islanders the unrest stems back to Mr Sogavare's 2019 decision to switch the country's diplomatic allegiances from Taiwan to China.
On Friday, Mr Sogavare declared he wanted China to play a permanent role in training police in his country, and flagged a new donation of police vehicles and equipment such as drones from Beijing.
He said he thought is was "prudent" that Solomon Islands and the People's Republic of China started a discussion on how to elevate the current joint training arrangement to a "more permanent arrangement".
Local media were not invited to attend the ceremony, and news about the arrangement has only been trickling through.
According to local media, Mr Sogavare and the government have become less accessible to the press, with many feeling increased pressure to toe the government line.
Last night, the Australian High Commission to Solomon Islands sent out a tweet saying it was "continuing to support security in Solomon Islands" by providing rifles, training and "strong governance".
The ABC has requested an interview with the commissioner.
In today's independence day speech, Mr Sogavare said national unity remained a huge challenge for the country.
"Forty-four years ago, we were granted independence." he said.
"Looking back over our journey of 44 years, we've got everything to thank God for.
"We nearly broke up on the word go, but God guided us through."
