Australia and New Zealand leaders say China security agreement with Solomon Islands 'concerning' as US launches military drills with Philippines | World News | Sky News

Australia and New Zealand have raised “grave” concerns about the potential for a Chinese military presence on the Solomon Islands, amid growing tensions in the Pacific region, with the US embarking on live-fire military drills with the Philippines. The island nation – located in the Pacific Ocean about 1,240 miles off the coast of Australia – confirmed it was expanding ties with China to combat security threats and ensure a safe environment for investment. A draft security arrangement could see China send police, military personnel and other armed forces to the Solomons “to assist in maintaining social order” and for…