SYDNEY -- Australia's ruling and opposition parties are locking horns over the Solomon Islands ahead of a federal election on May 21, after the South Pacific nation, which has historically close ties with Canberra, signed a security pact with China.
The largest opposition party, Labor, led by Anthony Albanese, blames the ruling coalition for the diplomatic failure and as part of its election platform has presented support measures for the Pacific. The country's security stance toward China is becoming a key issue in the upcoming election.
