New Zealand to boost maritime security with Solomon Islands amid China focus on Pacific

Small work plan' is another signal of intensifying security interests in the region, in the wake of Beijing's security deal with Honiara

New Zealand is developing its own maritime security work plans" with Solomon Islands, its defence minister has said, months after news of China's defence pact with the Pacific nation emerged.

New Zealand minister Peeni Henare said in an interview with Newsroom published on Tuesday that the two countries had begun discussions of a work plan, focused on maritime security, after his meeting with Solomon Islands' national security minister, Anthony Veke, over the weekend.