SYDNEY (Reuters) -- Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare arrives in China on Sunday for his first visit since striking a security deal, pledging to "remain neutral" amid rising China-U.S. competition and prioritize his nation's development needs.
Western analysts said Sogavare would be feted after signing the security pact that alarmed Washington and some Pacific Islands neighbors including Australia last year. Concern over China's naval ambitions in the strategically-located region prompted Washington to strike a defence agreement with Papua New Guinea last month.
