The Latest Breaking News from Honiara

An Australian government minister arrived in the Solomon Islands on Wednesday for talks on a proposed security agreement between the Pacific islands nation and China that Australia opposes.

The 10-person detail was to be armed with pistols, rifles, two machine guns and a sniper rifle to protect Chinese embassy

Australia is pumping more money into the Pacific amid fears of Chinese influence in the region and a potential security pact between Beijing and Honiara.

Leaked document indicates pact would allow China to deploy police and troops to Pacific island nation.

Australia's defence minister said on Friday any move to establish a Chinese military base in neighbouring Solomon Islands would be concerning, after a draft security document between Beijing and Honiara was leaked online.

The Solomon Islands has signed a policing deal with China and will send a proposal for a broader security agreement covering the military to its cabinet for consideration, an official of the Pacific island nation's government said on Thursday.

Both governments are claiming responsibility for rescue of nine Papua New Guinean nationals last month

Solomon Islands' opposition calls for explanation about exactly what was inside a crate that China shipped to Honiara last month, after reports emerged it contained weapons secretly brought into the capital just months after it was shaken by violent riots.