China loomed large over a US-Pacific Island Summit in Washington last week, as the Solomon Islands only agreed to sign an accord after changes were made to the wording relating to China.
The leaders and representatives from 14 Pacific states met with US representatives, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, to discuss key issues facing the Pacific region, and after negotiations, signed a joint declaration.
The US has conceded it let its relationship with Pacific Island nations "drift", but is now looking to bolster its relationship with the region, and stem China's expanding influence in the Pacific.
Meanwhile the Solomon Islands say the country does not want to be forced to choose sides between the US and China. Kathryn discusses the latest with Anna Powles, senior lecturer at Massey University's Centre for Defence and Security Studies.
Photo: CHIP SOMODEVILLA / AFP
