Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison will visit the Solomon Islands next week, two sources familiar with the plans said Monday, as Western nations seek to rein in China's influence on the tiny Pacific island nation.
With the United States and its allies keen to ensure China does not increase its foothold in the Pacific, protecting diplomatic recognition for self-ruled Taiwan has emerged as a flash point in regional ties.
"China is the Solomon Islands' largest trading partner and this is adding a lot of pressure on lawmakers to switch allegiances," said Jonathan Pryke, Pacific Islands program director at the Lowy Institute think tank.