Solomons signs up to China's 'Belt and Road Initiative'

Solomon Islands' prime minister has completed his state visit to China after signing up to the country's trillion-dollar Belt and Road infrastructure initiative.

Manasseh Sogavare attended high-level talks in Beijing during the first ever official visit to China by a Solomons' prime minister.

His visit follows last month's controversial move by the Solomons to switch its diplomatic recognition to China, ending a long relationship with Taiwan.

While in Beijing, Mr Sogavare met China's President Xi Jinping, with the two leaders signing various agreements.

According to the ABC, one of the agreements was for co-operation under China's sprawling Belt and Road initiative.

Under the initiative, China invests in major infrastructure projects across numerous regions, including the Pacific Islands.

Other agreements signed relate to connecting on economic and education strategies.

The China news agency Xinhua reports that in one deal being forged, Solomon Islands is to become a destination country for Chinese tourists.