The Latest Breaking News from Solomon Islands

Unpredictable Solomon Islands fuels U.S. concern as China's influence grows

(Corrects paragraph 17 to show Solomon Islands recognised Beijing, not Taiwan)

Reuters · Sep 2, 2022

Tim Owen tells conference of worsening security outlook as Solomon Islands controversy flares

Defence conference hears of deteriorating outlook

Newcastle Herald · Aug 31, 2022

Solomon Islands asks navies not to send ships pending review

The Solomon Islands' government has asked countries to not send naval vessels to the South Pacific nation until approval processes are overhauled

The Independent UK · Aug 31, 2022

Solomon Islands to ban U.S. navy ships from ports

The Solomon Islands has suspended entry into its waters for foreign navy ships pending adoption of a new process for approval of port visits, the prime minister's office said on Tuesday, in a bid to better police its exclusive economic zones.

Reuters · Aug 30, 2022

Australia changing Pacific perception: PM

Anthony Albanese says Australia continues to engage respectfully in the Pacific, as he prepares to host some of his counterparts in the coming months.

AAP · Aug 29, 2022

Report: US Coast Guard ship denied port call in Solomons

A U.S. coast guard cutter conducting patrols as part of an international mission to prevent illegal fishing was recently unable to get clearance for a scheduled port call in the Solomon Islands

The Independent UK · Aug 26, 2022

Distribution of Chinese funds by Solomon Islands PM raises questions

The Solomon Islands Prime Minister's office distributed Chinese government money to 39 out of 50 members of parliament twice last year, a budget committee was told, prompting criticism the payments were politically motivated.

Reuters · Aug 25, 2022

Solomon Islands to ban foreign journalists who are not ‘respectful’ – report

PM office says journalists cannot operate in the Pacific as they do in other countries, accusing Australia’s ABC of ‘racial profiling’ in China coverage

The Guardian - AU · Aug 25, 2022

Solomon Islands threatens to ban foreign journalists entry into country over 'demeaning' coverage

The Solomon Islands government seemingly confirms it will block some foreign journalists from entering the country, declaring that reporters who are "demeaning" or engage in "racial profiling" by attacking its ties with China will be banned.

ABC News · Aug 24, 2022

Solomon Islands denies Australian High Commissioner summoned over Four Corners reporting

The Solomon Islands government denies Australia's High Commissioner was "summoned" over a report by the ABC's Four Corners about the extent of Chinese influence and control in the Pacific nation, instead calling the meeting a "neighbourly discussion".

ABC News · Aug 24, 2022