SYDNEY – Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Monday said he will visit the Solomon Islands next week, as Western nations seek to rein in China’s influence on the tiny Pacific island.
The Solomon Islands is one of a handful of Pacific countries to recognize Taiwan.
China views Taiwan as a renegade province with no right to state-to-state ties.
Morrison’s first overseas trip since winning reelection this month will also be the first time an Australian prime minister has visited the Solomon Islands since 2008.
“The Pacific is front and center of Australia’s strategic outlook,” said Morrison. (Reuters)
