China and the Solomon Islands have announced a comprehensive strategic partnership, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reports, as they bolster relations four years after the Pacific nation switched ties from Taiwan to China.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare announced the partnership in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday, CCTV reported.
"China and Pacific island countries are both developing countries and should strengthen mutual assistance within the framework of South-South co-operation," Xi said in his meeting with Sogavare, CCTV reported.
Sogavare arrived in China on Sunday for his visit since they struck a security pact last year, to the alarm of the US and some neighbours including Australia.
CCTV said the partnership was agreed "with mutual respect and common development" but gave no further details.
Xi also pledged support for a 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, a regional strategy backed by Pacific island nations, it reported.Â
