US won’t rule out military action if China establishes base in Solomon Islands

Ambassador Daniel Kritenbrink warns security pact presents potential regional security implications'

One of the most senior US officials in the Pacific has refused to rule out military action against Solomon Islands if it were to allow China to establish a military base there, saying that the security deal between the countries presented potential regional security implications" for the US and other allies.

Ambassador Daniel Kritenbrink, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, was part of a high-level US delegation to the Pacific country last week.