Page 2 - Islands

Solomon Islands restricts ships' arrival amid concerns over security pact

The Solomon Islands on Wednesday asked countries to not send naval vessels to the South Pacific nation until approval processes are overhauled, amid concerns over a new security pact between the Solomons and China. The government made the request after the US Coast Guard cutter Oliver Henry and the British navy patrol boat HMS Spey cancelled planned port calls last week due to bureaucratic delays. The United States and Britain are among countries concerned that a new security pact with Beijing could lead to a Chinese naval base being constructed less than 2,000 kilometres (1,200 miles) off Australia's northeast coast. Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said the Oliver Henry crew had failed to provide required information in time for his office to approve the visit. The Oliver Henry refuelled at Papua New Guinea instead. The HMS Spey withdrew its application to visit, Sogavare said. The delay in these approvals demonstrate the need for the government to review and refine its approval