One of China’s largest defence and aerospace companies has promised to upgrade almost three dozen airstrips in the Solomon Islands
It’s part of Beijing’s plans transform the Pacific Island nation into an “aeronautical hub” for the region.
It follows a controversial security pact between the Solomons and China, which has raised eyebrows among western countries like Australia and the US.
The Solomons say they will purchase six aircraft from a Chinese state-owned defence subsidiary.
The ABC says the deal was initially floated two-and-a-half years ago but the pandemic has caused a delay to the plans.
