Nanaia Mahuta says China-Solomon Islands security deal 'very concerning' if genuine – NZ Herald

Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta says it would be “very concerning” if a purported security pact between China and the Solomon Islands turned out to be genuine, as the superpower continues to flex its military might in the Pacific. The Solomon Islands has signed a policing deal with China and is considering a broader security agreement covering the military, an official of the Pacific island nation’s government told Reuters. A draft copy of a security memorandum of understanding has been leaked to social media, indicating Beijing could be allowed to deploy forces – including police and military – to the Solomon…