Solomon Islands PM to visit Australia amid China tensions

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare is set to visit Australia following fresh revelations that China is driving a wedge in the important Pacific relationship by spreading anti-West commentary.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to welcome Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare to Australia on Thursday in a timely visit amid news that China has spread anti-West propaganda in the region.

The Prime Minister - who last saw Mr Sogavare in July at the Pacific Islands forum in Fiji - said his government is “committed” to an “incredibly important” security partnership.

“I look forward to engaging with Prime Minister Sogavare on building a strong and prosperous Pacific region, based on principles of transparency, respect and partnership.”.

While Mr Albanese works towards strengthening alliances in the region, reports revealed Wednesday the Chinese Community Party (CCP) is actively attempting to undermine public perception of Australia and the United States in the Pacific nation.

Analysis by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) revealed the Chinese government has been running a coordinated disinformation campaign in the South Pacific nation to paint public perception of Australia and the United States as colonialist bullies.