Solomon Islands says will not allow Chinese military base in country

The Solomon Islands yesterday said, it will not allow a Chinese military base in the country despite its plans to sign a security pact with Beijing. Pacific islands nation Solomon's Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare's office said, the agreement does not invite China to establish a military base.

Earlier, officials of the two countries prepared a draft agreement on security. Prime Minister Sogavare has not released details of the



security agreement with China but neighbouring countries have expressed concern over the draft.

They are apprehending that it might allow Chinese navy ships to replenish in the islands and consolidate its presence in the South China Sea. China has already established 20 points of military presence in the South China Sea despite telling the United States it will not militarize the region.