Chinese security presence in the Pacific comes into focus ahead of major political events   

FILE - Visiting Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, right, and his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang review an honor guard during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, July 10, 2023.

China’s growing security presence in the Pacific will be scrutinized this week as the Solomon Islands holds its national election on Wednesday. While the Pacific island nation has been plagued by a slew of domestic issues such as youth unemployment and weakening health and education systems, some analysts say the election is a “de-facto referendum” on its relationship with China.