China has built ties with small nations in the Pacific, worrying the US, Australia and New Zealand, who have long seen the region as their sphere of influence.
The Unites States is disappointed Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare will not attend a Pacific Islands summit with US President Joe Biden next week, the White House said.
The agreement to enhance relations came after China’s President Xi Jinping met with Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou ahead of the opening ceremony of the Asian Games, the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement on Saturday.
Timor-Leste welcomes strong ties with all countries, including its southern neighbour Australia, Ramos-Horta said last year.Upgrading their ties, China and Timor-Leste agreed to co-operation under the Belt and Road Initiative championed by Xi, that could open the way for investment in infrastructure.
“We are disappointed that PM Sogavare of the Solomons does not plan to attend,” a Biden administration official said.The Solomon Islands Prime Minister’s Office did not respond to a request for comment.
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