The U.S. and its allies have repeatedly expressed concern that the pact could upset regional security agreements and give Beijing a military foothold in the Pacific. and criticized the West for interfering with the island nation’s sovereignty.
The Solomon Islands government did not respond to a request for permission for the U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC Oliver Henry to dock for supplies and supplies.
The U.S. Coast Guard said Monday that the USCGC Oliver Henry failed to obtain a permit to dock in the Solomon Islands capital, Honiara, and had to be diverted to Papua New Guinea.
The ship was on patrol against illegal fishing in the South Pacific.
“The Solomon Islands government did not respond to the U.S. government’s request for permission for the ship to dock at honiara.
