Solomon Islands Voters Go To Polls With China's Influence In Focus

Solomon Islanders queue up to vote outside a polling station in Honiara on Wednesday (Credit: AFP)

Solomon Islanders began voting Wednesday in an election that could reshape regional security, with citizens effectively choosing if their Pacific nation will deepen ties with China.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has pledged to further bolster relations with Beijing if he is re-elected, while his main challengers want to wind back China's growing influence.