Leader of tiny Solomon Islands says concern over closer ties with China "very insulting"

Canberra, Australia — Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare on Tuesday rejected concerns that regional safety would be jeopardized by a security treaty between the South Pacific island nation and China. The United States, Australia and New Zealand are among the nations that have voiced concerns over a leaked draft of the bilateral agreement.   Sogavare told his national parliament that negotiations had concluded but the treaty had not yet been signed.   "We are sensitive to the unfortunate perception held by many leaders that the region's security is threatened by the presence of China in the region," Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported him telling parliament.   "This is utter nonsense," he added. "I find it very insulting ... to be branded as unfit to manage our sovereign affairs."

A document leaked last week indicates that China could boost its military presence in the Solomons, including with visits by warships. Sogavare said the leaked document was a draft. He would not reveal details of the final document.